Inferences and Conclusions — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Sophia packed her telescope, a blanket, and a star chart before heading to the backyard at nine o'clock at night. What can you infer?
A) Sophia is planning to camp overnight.
B) Sophia wants to observe the night sky.
C) Sophia is afraid of the dark.
D) Sophia forgot to do her homework.
A telescope, blanket, and star chart are all stargazing supplies, and going outside at nine o'clock at night is the perfect time to observe the sky.
2. The librarian rearranged the shelves and added a sign that read "New Arrivals." What conclusion can you draw?
A) The library is closing down.
B) Old books were thrown away.
C) The library recently received new books.
D) Nobody visits the library anymore.
Rearranging shelves and putting up a "New Arrivals" sign only makes sense if the library just got new books and needs to display them.
3. "I've been waiting for this all year," whispered Jordan as the curtain rose and music filled the theater. What can you infer about Jordan?
A) Jordan dislikes live performances.
B) Jordan is excited about the show.
C) Jordan is performing on stage tonight.
D) Jordan accidentally came to the wrong event.
Saying "I've been waiting for this all year" shows eager anticipation, and the theater setting confirms Jordan is excited about the show.
4. The veterinarian examined the puppy, gave it a shot, and told the owner to return in four weeks. What can you conclude?
A) The puppy is seriously ill.
B) The owner does not take good care of the puppy.
C) The puppy received a routine vaccination.
D) The veterinarian wants to adopt the puppy.
An exam, a shot, and a follow-up appointment in four weeks match the pattern of a routine vaccination, which puppies get on a regular schedule.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. A valid inference must be supported by evidence from the text, not just opinion.
An inference needs to be supported by real evidence from the passage; without that backup, it is just a personal opinion rather than a logical conclusion.
2. If a character sighs and stares out the window during class, you can infer the character is bored.
Sighing and staring out the window during class are behaviors that show a lack of interest, which means the character is most likely bored.
3. An author's choice of words, also called diction, can help readers infer the mood of a story.
Diction is the term for an author's word choice, and it shapes how readers feel about a scene -- dark, gloomy words create a sad mood while bright words create a happy one.
4. A reader who draws a conclusion without enough evidence is making a hasty judgment.
Jumping to a conclusion without gathering enough evidence is called a hasty judgment, and it often leads to wrong or unfair ideas about a text.
5. Details about a character's appearance, actions, and speech help readers determine what kind of person the character is.
By studying how a character looks, acts, and speaks, readers can determine personality traits that the author never directly states.