INFERENCE

Ahmad Ghazy, M.Pd

What can you infer?

When we use inference in reading, we’re “reading between the lines.”

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Example

The author shows a character crying, for instance, and we know what that means.

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The author does not have to state: Cinderella was sad.

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What should be considered?

• Look for all the specific details that the author has provided!
• Once the details are gathered, they can be assessed to see what understanding they offer us.

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INFERENCE QUESTIONS

The Inference Question asks you to answer the question by making a conclusion from a specific statement contained in the reading. Inference questions usually use the words implied, inferred, likely or maybe. The answer to this question is implicit in the reading, and all you have to do is draw conclusions from the information.

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Inference Questions

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Strategies to answer Inference Questions

• Observe readings that contain related keywords or statements.
• Read the sentences containing keywords carefully.
• Find an appropriate answer based on the information contained in the reading.
• You can also do skimming, which is reading quickly which is limited by the reading context. You must be able to deduce the context of the reading and look for the section that leads to the information asked in the problem even though the mention of the information is still general (not yet concluded).

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Example 1

London grew up beside the Thames, being founded at a point where the river could be forded or crossed, Julius Caesar, hoping to conquer Britain, crossed the Thames in 54 B.C., and Danish pirates often entered the river in later centuries. However, when times grew more peaceful, the Thames became a London thoroughfare. State barges carried kings and queens to and from Greenwich Palace and Westminster Palace. Prisoners were also taken in boats in Traitor’s Gate in the Tower of London.

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It is implied in the passage that Thames is in ....

1. Ireland
2. America
3. England
4. Germany

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Example 2

There was once a small boy named Zack Jamelson, who lived in the village of Jamaville, in the state of Georgina. Young Jamelson was judged by some of the villagers to be a little foolish, but he was as clever as any other boy. His friend, George Johnson, liked him very much. In fact, George judged Zack as the most sensible friend he had ever met.

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1. It is implied in the passage that if Jamelson was judged by some of villagers to be a little foolish, then it means ....

1. He was really foolish boy
2. He was very smart boy
3. He was a good friend
4. Other villagers didn’t judge him as a little foolish

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Example 2

2. It can be inferred from the passage that if George Johnson like him very much and in fact, George judged Zack as the most sensible friend he had ever met, then it means....

1. They were best friend
2. They did not like each other
3. They were hostile
4. They were brothers

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