Inferences and Conclusions — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The audience clapped loudly and gave a standing ovation, so the performance must have been boring.
Corrected: The audience clapped loudly and gave a standing ovation, so the performance must have been excellent.
Clapping loudly and giving a standing ovation are things people do when they love a performance, so the inference should be that the show was excellent, not boring.
2. Fix the sentence:
Leo wore a heavy coat, boots, and a scarf, so the weather must be hot outside.
Corrected: Leo wore a heavy coat, boots, and a scarf, so the weather must be cold outside.
Heavy coats, boots, and scarves are winter clothing people wear to stay warm, so the weather must be cold, not hot.
3. Fix the sentence:
The baby kept rubbing her eyes and yawning, so she must be full of energy.
Corrected: The baby kept rubbing her eyes and yawning, so she must be tired.
Rubbing eyes and yawning are signs that someone is sleepy, so the correct inference is that the baby is tired, not full of energy.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. When authors do not state something directly, readers must infer it from the clues.
When authors leave ideas unstated, readers must infer meaning by piecing together the clues the author provides.
2. A conclusion should be based on details from the text, not just a wild guess.
A strong conclusion relies on specific details from the passage rather than a random guess, because details give the reader proof.
3. If a character clenches her fists and raises her voice, you can infer she is angry.
Clenching fists and raising your voice are body language clues that show anger, so "angry" is the best inference from those actions.
4. Readers combine text clues with their own experiences to understand what the author means.
Readers bring their own experiences to a text, which helps them fill in gaps the author left and understand deeper meaning.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. A passage says: "The sidewalk was covered with colorful chalk drawings, but the sky turned gray and rain began to fall." What can you infer will happen to the drawings?
Sample answer: The rain will probably wash away the chalk drawings because chalk dissolves in water.
A good answer includes: The rain will probably wash away the chalk drawings because chalk dissolves in water.
2. Why might two readers draw different conclusions from the same passage?
Sample answer: Two readers may have different background knowledge or experiences, which can lead them to focus on different clues and reach different conclusions.
A good answer includes: Two readers may have different background knowledge or experiences, which can lead them to focus on different clues and reach different conclusions.