Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The lights flickered and then went out. The family lit candles. You can infer there was a power outage.
Flickering lights going out combined with candle use is a clear inference clue for a power outage.
2. Mr. Chen smiled widely when he read the letter. He probably received good news.
A wide smile is a strong emotional clue that the letter contained good or positive news.
3. The sidewalk was wet, but the sky was clear. Someone probably used a hose to wash it.
Wet sidewalk with clear skies rules out rain, suggesting someone watered or washed with a hose.
4. Mia's eyes grew wide and she gasped when she opened the gift. She was surprised.
Wide eyes and gasping are classic body language clues indicating surprise or shock.
5. The student erased her answer and rewrote it twice. She was probably unsure about her response.
Repeatedly erasing and rewriting indicates uncertainty or lack of confidence in the answer.
6. The line at the store stretched out the door. There was probably a big sale going on.
A very long line at a store is a strong inference clue for a popular sale or special event.
7. After the coach gave his speech, every player clapped. They were motivated by his words.
Applause after a speech indicates the players responded positively and were motivated or inspired.
8. Smoke rose from the chimney even though it was July. Someone was probably cooking something inside.
A chimney with smoke in summer is unusual for heating — cooking or using a wood-burning stove is the likely inference.
9. The cat arched its back and hissed at the new puppy. The cat felt threatened.
An arched back and hissing are classic cat behaviors indicating fear, anger, or feeling threatened.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Kai shared his lunch with a classmate who forgot hers.
→ Kai is generous and kind.
The toddler is shy around unfamiliar people.
The girl rehearsed her lines every night for two weeks.
→ The girl is dedicated to her role in the play.
Dad is in a cheerful mood.
Dad whistled a tune while he cooked breakfast.
→ Dad is in a cheerful mood.
Kai is generous and kind.
The toddler hid behind his mother when strangers arrived.
→ The toddler is shy around unfamiliar people.
The girl is dedicated to her role in the play.
Kai sharing → generous and kind; Rehearsing daily → dedicated; Whistling while cooking → cheerful; Hiding from strangers → shy.