Inference: Learn to Understand Hidden Meaning Using Clues

Have you ever looked at a situation and understood something without anyone telling you directly? Imagine you walk into a room and see wet umbrellas near the door. Even if no one says it, you can guess that it has been raining outside. That is called making an inference. In this guide, you will learn about inference and how to make inferences with examples. 

Table of Contents

• What is Inference
• How to Make an Inference
• Inference Exercises

What is Inference

Making inferences means to deduce the implied or indirect meaning based on the given information. It involves using clues and what we already know to figure out the hidden meaning. It is like solving a mystery using hints given to us. Inferences help us understand the deeper meaning of a text, find answers that are not clearly stated, improve our thinking and reading skills, and connect ideas using clues and prior knowledge.

How to Make an Inference

To make an inference, follow these steps:

• Look for clues in the text, picture, or situation.

• Think about what you already know.

• Connect the clues with your knowledge.

• Draw a logical conclusion.

Always remember: Clues + What you know = Inference

Here are some keywords and helpful questions to help you make inferences.

Keywords: 

• Decide 

• Assume 

• Infer 

• Imply 

• Guess 

• Suppose 

• Conclude 

• Probability

Helpful Questions:

• Why do you think this happened?

• What can the reader conclude after reading this?

• What might have caused this?

• What clues helped you think this way?

• Which information supports your idea?

• Can you infer something from this?

• What is the writer trying to say?

• Look at the picture and explain what you can infer.

Inference Exercises 

Exercise 1: Look at the images and make an inference.

1. What do you think the boy is feeling?

1. I infer _______ 

2. I know this because

Answer:

1. I infer the boy is feeling unwell or is sick with a cold.

2. I know this because: He is holding a tissue to his nose, his eyes are closed tight, and there are droplets showing that he just sneezed. He looks like he is struggling with symptoms of an illness.
   

Exercise 2: Look at the images and make an inference.

Every morning, Pottu gathers his net long before sunrise. He, along with his team, pulls the boat through the water after saying a short prayer. He sets out into the sea to earn his livelihood. A thousand miles away from Pottu lives Pinto. He too wakes up around the same time as Pottu, but instead of a boat, he pulls his cycle out of the shed. He rushes to the railway station. Approximately at 4 a.m., the train passes the station without stopping. But every day, someone from the train throws a bundle of newspapers that lands near him. His job is to deliver it to the people of the town.

1. Pottu is a ........................

1. Boatman  

2. Fisherman

3. Priest  

4. Merchant 

2. What does Pinto do every morning around 4 a.m.?

1. Cycles around the place 

2. Collects the newspaper

3. Reads the newspaper

4. Boards the train

3. Why does Pottu go out to sea early in the morning?

1. To enjoy the sunrise

2. To pray in the sea

3. To earn his living

4. To meet his friends

4. What can you infer about Pinto’s job?

1. He works only at night

2. He delivers newspapers to people

3. He travels by train every day

4. He sells cycles

Answers: 

1. Fisherman

2. Collects the newspaper

3. To earn his living

4. He delivers newspapers to people