📖 Reading Comprehension & Test Prep · Lesson 3 of 6
Making inferences
When the answer isn’t written, but you can figure it out.
Text clues + what I know = inference
An inference is a smart conclusion. The text gives clues, you add what you know, and you figure out something the author didn’t say directly. Example: “Mia’s hands were shaking as she walked onto the stage.” The text doesn’t say she was nervous — but you can infer it.
Question words that ask for inference
| “Most likely” | What most likely happened next? |
|---|---|
| “Suggests” / “implies” | What does the author suggest? |
| “Why” | Why did the character…? |
| “How does the character feel” | Feelings are often shown, not told |
Prove it
- Pick your inference
- Find at least one sentence that supports it
- Ask: could someone else reasonably disagree with this evidence?
- Choose the answer with the strongest evidence, not the most exciting one
Tip
💡 Many tests have a “Part B” question: “Which sentence from the passage supports your answer to Part A?” That’s the evidence for your inference.
✏️ Practice: your turn
- Read a short story and find 3 places where a feeling is shown, not told
- Write: “I infer ___ because the text says ___ and I know ___”
- Answer one “most likely” question and underline your evidence
- Try a Part A / Part B question from our passages
🧠 Quick quiz
Answer all 4 questions correctly to mark this lesson as done.
0 of 4 correct
All lessons in Reading Comprehension & Test Prep
- 🎯 1. Read with a purposePeek at the questions first, then read
- 🔎 2. Finding details in the textQuestions whose answer is written right there
- 🕵️ 3. Making inferencesWhen the answer isn’t written, but you can figure it out
- 💡 4. Main idea and titleWhat the whole text is about, in one sentence
- ✍️ 5. Written answers with RACEA complete, supported and short answer
- 📝 6. Test dayTime, order, multiple choice and a final check