InferencesPlaying the Educated Guessing Game

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1 min.

Objectives (Copy)

Students will be able to use sight or text clues and their previous/background knowledge to make inferences.

Standards:

CCCS 2. Reading for all purposes

Monday, Bellwork: 5 min. .Choose one activity below:

 

1) Choose three traits from our Character Chart that you could categorize as being common characteristics of most men and write a detailed response explaining and justifying why.  2) Choose three traits from our Character Chart that you could categorize as being common characteristics of most women and write a detailed response explaining and justifying why.  Example of detailed justification: Dogs (for example):

Dogs are loyal, vigilant, and altruistic. They are so loyal and dedicated to their owners, they would never leave their owner’s side if given the choice. They are vigilant and very watchful and protective over their masters. A dog wouldn’t think twice about confronting a hungry mountain lion or bear who is eyeballing his master for a meal. In this way, dogs, without a doubt, are altruistic creatures by nature. This is probably why it is said of dogs that they are “man’s best friend.”

What is an Inference?

It is based on all of the information that you have available at that time.

It is not necessarily a correct guess, but it is an educated one.

An inference is an assumption (guess) that you make about something that you see, read,

or experience.

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That’s right! When we were making predictions. Predicting is one way of making inferences!

Hmm…where have we practiced this skill of making guesses before?

Everyday InferencesHere are some inferences that you

probably make on a daily basis.

If your Madre has purchased cow stomach at the grocery

store and is preparing it in the kitchen…

You infer that she is probably making menudo!

If you see a group of men on rugs on their knees,

facing the East, with their heads to the ground…

praying…

You would probably infer that they are

Muslim.

You may not always be correct in your inferences, but they are assumptions that you make based on the given clues.

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Inferences: Take a Guess

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Other words for ‘infer’

conclude deduce suppose hypothesizesuggest speculate surmise assumehint suspect reckon reason presume interpret imply suppose figure out insinuate guess imagine

“read between the lines”

The number of words in the English language used for making inferences indicates (shows) how common and normal it is to run into “indirectly stated information,” which means you’ll need to “read between the lines.”

USE YOUR NEW WORDS TO MAKE INFERENCES ABOUT THE FOLLOWING IMAGES.

Inferences: Take a Guess?

1. What is this woman doing?

2. Where do you think this woman is?

3. Is she there for work or pleasure?

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Inferences: Take a Guess?

Lets look a little bit closer and evaluate your guesses.

What is she doing?

She is on the telephone.

Where do you think this woman is?

Based on the furniture and decorations, she is probably in a hotel room.

Is she there for work or pleasure?

Based on the her clothing and the presence of a fax machine, WE (use word) she is probably there for ___________.

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1. Where are they?

2. What are the two women on the left doing?

3. What is going on with the woman on the right?

Inferences: Take Another Guess?

Partners

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Inferences: Take a Guess?

Lets look a little bit closer and evaluate your assumptions.

Where are they?WE (use word) that

they are either at someone’s house

or at a café or small restaurant.

WE (use word) that the women on the left are ___________ about the woman on the right, by her facial expression.

One woman is whispering in the other’s ear.

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InferencesPlaying the Educated Guessing Game

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3 min.

Objectives (Copy)

Students will be able to use sight or text clues as well as previous/background knowledge in order to make inferences.

Standards:

CCCS 2. Reading for all purposes

Inferences: Take a Guess

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The Game of Clue The game of Clue (Cluedo) is an inference game. You are never told who killed Mr. Body, but you may be

told who did not kill him. You gather clues so you can infer who really killed Mr.

Body. All mystery shows are based on inference:

El Equipo The Bridge CSI: Miami (starring Adam Rodriguez) Psych Iraqi or Nepali crime/police/detective show or novels?

Hold it! Let’s take a look at some mystery novels

ASIAN-AMERICAN SLEUTHSHenry Chang Sleuth: Jack Yu. 1st in series: Chinatown beatNaomi Hirahara Sleuth: Mas Arai. 1st in series: Summer of the big bachiSujata Massey Sleuth: Rei Shimura. 1st in series: The salaryman’s wifeS. J. Rozan Sleuth: Lydia Chin. 1st in series: China trade

HISPANIC-AMERICAN SLEUTHSWayne Arthurson Sleuth: Leo Desroches. 1st in series: Fall from graceNorman Green Sleuth: Alessandra “Al” Martillo. 1st in series: The last gigMisa Ramirez Sleuth: Lola Cruz. 1st in series: Living the vida LolaA. E. Roman Sleuth: Chico Santana. 1st in series: Chinatown angel

NATIVE-AMERICAN SLEUTHSPeter Bowen Sleuth: Gabriel Du Pre. 1st in series: Coyote windMargaret Coel Sleuth: Vicky Holden. 1st in series: The eagle catcherJean Hager Sleuth: Mitch Bushyhead. 1st in series: The grandfather medicineTony Hillerman Sleuth: Jim Chee. 1st in series: People of darkness

Sleuth: Joe Leaphorn. 1st in series: The blessing wayStan Jones Sleuth: Nathan Active. 1st in series: White sky, black iceWilliam Kent Krueger Sleuth: Cork O’Connor. 1st in series: Iron LakeLinda Rodriguez Sleuth: Marquitta “Skeet” Bannion. 1st in series: Every last secretDana Stabenow Sleuth: Kate Shugak. 1st in series: A cold day for murderAimee & David Sleuth: Ella Clah. 1st in series: Blackening song Thurlo Sleuth: Lee Nez. 1st in series: Second sunriseC. M. Wendelboe Sleuth: Manny Tanno. 1st in series: Death along the spirit road

Let’s Play Clue! Based on the following clues,

decide: Who killed Mr. Body Where Mr. Body was killed (room) With what weapon Mr. Body was killed

The suspects are: Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Mr. Green, Mrs. White, and Professor Plum

The rooms are: the kitchen, the ballroom, the library, the study, the conservatory, and the game room

The weapons are: the candlestick, the knife, the revolver, the rope, the wrench, and the lead pipe

The Rules You have each been given one card. Whatever is on your card was not involved in

killing Mr. Body. You each will be able to ask one classmate to

reveal his or her card to the entire class. You may make a guess at any time, BUT… Once you guess, you cannot guess again. Your guess must include all three: the murderer,

the weapon, and the room.

Mrs. P Col. Mustard Mr. G

Miss S Mrs. W Prof Plum

Inferences

Exit Ticket:1. What new word did you learn today related to infer?

2. Infer what might be happening in the

the following image:

3. I have a ball, I’m on a field, and there is a goal post on each end of the field. What can you infer I will do next?

How do you know?

REVIEW Objectives:

Students will be able to use sight or text clues as well as previous knowledge/background knowledge in order to make inferences.

Standards:

CCCS 2. Reading for all purposes

DAY 2

InferencesPlaying the Educated Guessing Game

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3 min.

Objectives (Copy)

Students will be able to use sight or text clues as well as previous/background knowledge in order to make inferences.

Standards:

CCCS 2. Reading for all purposes

Tuesday, Bellwork: Choose one activity below: 

Library

Library

When they infer, readers… Draw conclusions from text (So, what the author is

saying is…) Make reasonable predictions as they read (Since….,

then…) Interpret text or understand themes (That must

mean…) Analyze characters (Oh, she’s biting her nails, she

must be nervous…) Figure out unfamiliar words (context clues) Figure out non-literal interpretations (symbolism,

metaphors…)

Readers who are aware of theinferences they are making, are

more able to…

Remember and apply what they have read Create new background knowledge Critically (deeply) analyze text and authors Engage in conversation about what they are reading Be reflective about what they are reading Critically (deeply) analyze nonfiction text

Inferences: Word Pictures

As you looked at yesterday’s pictures, you were able to infer things about the scenarios that they

presented.

When you read a text, think of it as a

WORD PICTURE.{Click mouse to continue}

Inferences: Word PicturesWhen reading, there are several types of word

pictures the author will paint for you.

• The setting• A Character’s personality or emotions• What a character’s motives (true reasons/ true desires) might be

• What the writer’s motives (reasons) behind writing the piece might be (author’s purpose) Just To Name A Few

It will be your job to use those pictures to infer things

such as:

Lets look at a few examples!

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Inferences: The Setting

The air blowing off of the water is clean and crisp. As she slowly made her way to her destination, the damp

sand beneath her feet began to stick to the

bottom of her toes. Finally, she was close enough to

see. A blue and white table cloth spread over the sand. Candles, crystal, and china glistened in the light of the setting sun. She smiled, and a tear ran down her

cheek.

Where is this woman?

What time of day is it?

As she approaches, what

does she see?

Will she be spending the

evening alone?

Read the following selection:

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Inferences: The Setting

The air blowing off of the is clean and crisp. As

she slowly made her way to her destination, the damp

beneath her feet began to stick to the

bottom of her toes. Finally, she was close enough to

see. A blue and white spread over the sand.

glistened in the

light of the . She

smiled, and a tear ran down her cheek.

Where is this woman?

What time of day is it?

As she approaches, what

does she see?Will she be spending the

evening alone?

Based on the word picture painted for us, she is on the

beach.

water

sandIt is evening.

setting sun

That someone has prepared a romantic picnic

for her.

We can logically assume that

whomever has made the picnic will probably join

her.

table clothCandles, crystal,

and china

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Inferences: Character Personalities & Emotions

Author’s often use word pictures to give you clues about the personalities and emotions of the characters. For Instance:

If the character is shown refusing to be controlled by others such as

their parents, boss, or other authority figure

We infer that they are rebellious.

If we see them doing things that show good character in front of

other, but exhibiting negative traits when alone

We infer that they are deceptive.

If the character storms out of the room, slamming the door behind

themWe infer that they

are angry.

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Inferences: Character Personalities & EmotionsWith this in mind,

lets take another look at the excerpt we read earlier.

The air blowing off of the water is clean and crisp. As she slowly made her way to her destination, the damp

sand beneath her feet began to stick to the

bottom of her toes. Finally, she was close enough to

see. A blue and white table cloth spread over the sand. Candles, crystal, and china glistened in the light of the

setting sun.

How does the woman feel about what this person

has done?

Though we have not been introduced to the

person that has planned this, what can we

assume about their personality?

Based on her smile and tears, we can assume she is

happy and touched by the gesture.We can assume that he is

caring, romantic, and thoughtful. Though this may

or may not prove to be correct by the end of the

story, that is the word picture the author is painting for us.

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Inferences: Character MotivesLets add on a few lines to that excerpt…

Charles had been planning this night for weeks. He had waited for a night with clear skies and a soft breeze. He had laid out

the tablecloth, placed the glasses and plates just right.

For a few seconds, he wondered if she had found the note that he had left her, but soon he could see her slowly walking

down the beach. As she approached, he took a deep

breath, kneeled down on one knee, and pulled a small box

from his pocket.

Why did he leave her a note?

Why has Charles made this picnic

for her?

We can infer that he left her a note to tell her to meet him on the beach.

To propose to her.

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Inferences: Writer’s Motives

All people have their own moral and political perspectives. Sometimes, these perspectives color what an author writes.

This can take place in both fiction and nonfiction pieces.

Read the following excerpt and try to determine what this writer’s motives for writing this might be.At the close of the year 1999, composting and

recycling had stopped 64 million tons of material from ending up in landfills and

incinerators (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) . Though that is a good start, America

has a long way to go. As a country, it is our responsibility to protect the environment for the

sake of future generations!

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

Now that you know how to use what the text does say to figure out things that it does not,

Lets look at a few excerpts to practice your new skills!

Write your answers down as you go.

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

Geoffrey awoke early that morning, for fear of being late for his appointment. He showered, brushed his hair, and put on his best suit. He stuck extra ink pens and pencils into his brief case. He did not want to leave anything to chance. He knew that if he did not get a job soon, Martha would have to leave the children and go back to work.

Read the following paragraph, and answer the questions that

follow.

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

Geoffrey awoke early that morning, for fear of being late for his appointment. He showered, brushed his hair, and put on his best suit. He stuck extra ink pens and pencils into his brief case. He did not want to leave anything to chance. He knew that if he did not get a job soon, Martha would have to leave the children and go back to work.

1. What kind of appointment is Geoffrey getting ready for?

a) He is going job hunting.

b) He is going to a board meeting for his job.

c) He is going to a job interview.

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

Geoffrey awoke early that morning, for fear of being late for his appointment. He showered, brushed his hair, and put on his best suit. He stuck extra ink pens and pencils into his brief case. He did not want to leave anything to chance. He knew that if he did not get a job soon, Martha would have to leave the children and go back to work.

2. Who is Martha?

a) His mother.

b) His wife.

c) His daughter.

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

Geoffrey awoke early that morning, for fear of being late for his appointment. He showered, brushed his hair, and put on his best suit. He stuck extra ink pens and pencils into his brief case. He did not want to leave anything to chance. He knew that if he did not get a job soon, Martha would have to leave the children and go back to work.

3. Which of these personality traits best fits Geoffrey?

a) Responsible

b) Optimistic

c) Selfish

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

Geoffrey awoke early that morning, for fear of being late for his appointment. He showered, brushed his hair, and put on his best suit. He stuck extra ink pens and pencils into his brief case. He did not want to leave anything to chance. He knew that if he did not get a job soon, Martha would have to leave the children and go back to work.

4. What is Geoffrey’s motive for waking up early ?

a) To be an example for his children.

b) To be on time for his appointment.

c) He does not want Martha to go back to work.

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

Geoffrey awoke early that morning, for fear of being late for his appointment. He showered, brushed his hair, and put on his best suit. He stuck extra ink pens and pencils into his brief case. He did not want to leave anything to chance. He knew that if he did not get a job soon, Martha would have to leave the children and go back to work.

5. What might he need extra pens and pencils for at his appointment ?

a) To fill out necessary forms.

b) To take notes on the speaker.

c) To hand out as advertisements for his firm.

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

Now, lets check your inferences.

c) Her motive is to inspire her reader.

The author’s motive is shown in statements like these:

Though she uses the word children, the dominant topic is inspiration and motivation

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1. Infer what the writer’s motive is.

a) She is trying to frighten her audience into appropriate behavior.

b) She is a child activist.

“We are powerful beyond measure…We are all meant to shine, as children do.”

Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

a) All men/women are created equal.

Looking at the same quote we saw before:

The author’s use of “we” and “all” suggests that she believes everyone is meant to shine. Evidence of the other beliefs are not in the poem.

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2. With which statement would the author most agree?

b) Life is not fair.

c) The only thing to fear is fear itself.

“We are powerful beyond measure…We are all meant to shine, as children do.”

Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

Now, lets go on to the next piece.

1. What kind of appointment is Geoffrey getting ready for?

a) He is going job hunting.

b) He is going to a board meeting for his job.

c) He is going to a job interview.

“He knew that if he did not get a job soon, Martha would have to leave the children and go back to work.”

The writer is suggesting that the appointment will solve this problem:

We can assume that he is not going job hunting because that does not require an appointment.

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

2. Who is Martha?

a) His mother.

c) His daughter.

b) His wife.

The same quote we used for the last question, suggests that Martha is the mother of his children and not his mother or his child.

“He knew that if he did not get a job soon, Martha would have to leave the children and go back to work. “

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

3. Which of these personality traits best fits Geoffrey?

b) Optimistic

c) Selfish

a) Responsible

These words describe a man who is responsible. There are no suggestions that he is optimistic or selfish in the text.

“Geoffrey awoke early that morning … He stuck extra ink pens and pencils into his brief case. He did not want to leave anything to chance.”

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

4. What is Geoffrey’s motive for waking up early ?

a) To be an example for his children.

b) To be on time for his appointment.

c) He does not want Martha to go back to work.

Though Geoffrey does not want to be late for his interview, that is not his ultimate motive. His ultimate motive would be what is causing him to want to

be on time in the first place. This brings us back to this quote:

“He knew that if he did not get a job soon, Martha would have to leave the children and go back to work.”

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Inferences: Take a Guess Part 2

5. What might he need extra pens and pencils for at his appointment ?

b) To take notes on the speaker.

c) To hand out as advertisements for his firm.

a) To fill out necessary forms.

Because we have established that Geoffrey is going to a job interview, we can infer that he needs these utensils to fill out the application or any other

forms that they may give him

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