Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Marcus slammed his locker and stomped down the hall, so he must be feeling excited.
Corrected: Marcus slammed his locker and stomped down the hall, so he must be feeling angry or frustrated.
The corrected sentence is: "Marcus slammed his locker and stomped down the hall, so he must be feeling angry or frustrated.". The original sentence "Marcus slammed his locker and stomped down the hall, so he must be feeling excited." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
The restaurant was packed and people waited outside, so the food there must be terrible.
Corrected: The restaurant was packed and people waited outside, so the food there must be popular.
The corrected sentence is: "The restaurant was packed and people waited outside, so the food there must be popular.". The original sentence "The restaurant was packed and people waited outside, so the food there must be terrible." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
Eva checked her watch three times during the meeting, so she must be very interested.
Corrected: Eva checked her watch three times during the meeting, so she must be bored or in a hurry.
The corrected sentence is: "Eva checked her watch three times during the meeting, so she must be bored or in a hurry.". The original sentence "Eva checked her watch three times during the meeting, so she must be very interested." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. An inference is a logical guess based on text clues and prior knowledge.
Inferences combine text clues with what the reader already knows to reach a logical conclusion.
2. When you draw a conclusion, you use evidence from the text to support it.
Evidence from the text provides the foundation for a valid conclusion.
3. If a character is shivering and blowing on her hands, you can infer she feels cold.
Shivering and blowing on hands are physical clues that strongly suggest the character is cold.
4. Good readers make inferences by combining what the text says with what they already know.
Effective inferencing requires connecting textual evidence with prior knowledge and life experience.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why is it important to use text evidence when making an inference?
Sample answer: Text evidence makes your inference stronger because it shows your idea is based on facts from the passage, not just a random guess.
Evidence-based inferences are more credible and accurate than unsupported guesses.
2. How is an inference different from a fact stated in the text?
Sample answer: A fact is stated directly by the author, while an inference is something you figure out on your own using clues and background knowledge.
Distinguishing between explicit text information and reader-generated inferences is a key comprehension skill.