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:
The dog dropped a tennis ball at Javier's feet and barked, so the dog must want to sleep.
Corrected: The dog dropped a tennis ball at Javier's feet and barked, so the dog must want to play.
The corrected sentence is: "The dog dropped a tennis ball at Javier's feet and barked, so the dog must want to play.". The original sentence "The dog dropped a tennis ball at Javier's feet and barked, so the dog must want to sleep." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
Grandma put on her reading glasses and opened a thick novel, so she must be about to cook dinner.
Corrected: Grandma put on her reading glasses and opened a thick novel, so she must be about to read.
The corrected sentence is: "Grandma put on her reading glasses and opened a thick novel, so she must be about to read.". The original sentence "Grandma put on her reading glasses and opened a thick novel, so she must be about to cook dinner." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
Dark clouds filled the sky and the wind picked up, so the weather will probably be sunny.
Corrected: Dark clouds filled the sky and the wind picked up, so a storm is probably coming.
The corrected sentence is: "Dark clouds filled the sky and the wind picked up, so a storm is probably coming.". The original sentence "Dark clouds filled the sky and the wind picked up, so the weather will probably be sunny." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. You can infer a character's feelings by paying attention to their actions and words.
Character actions, dialogue, and body language are all clues readers use to infer feelings and motivations.
2. Drawing a conclusion means deciding what is most likely based on the evidence.
Conclusions are probability-based decisions — what the evidence makes most likely to be true.
3. If the author says a character's voice trembled, you can infer the character is nervous.
A trembling voice is a physical indicator of nervousness or fear.
4. Readers use prior knowledge, or what they already know, to help make inferences.
Prior knowledge activates what readers already know about the world to fill in gaps the text doesn't state explicitly.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. A passage says: "Lena practiced her speech ten times before the assembly." What can you infer about Lena?
Sample answer: Lena is probably nervous about speaking in front of people, so she practiced many times to feel more prepared and confident.
Repeated practice before a public speaking event is a strong inference clue for nervousness or wanting to do well.
2. What is one question you can ask yourself to help make an inference while reading?
Sample answer: You can ask, "What do the clues in the text tell me that the author did not say directly?" This helps you think beyond the words on the page.
Asking strategic questions helps readers actively look for unstated information implied by the text.