Reading Skills: Inferencing

What is Inferencing?

Inferencing is a reading skill that involves using background knowledge and textual clues to make logical guesses or conclusions about information that is not explicitly stated in the text. When we infer, we use the information presented in the text to draw logical conclusions and make predictions about what might happen next, what a character is feeling, or what the author is trying to convey.

Inferencing is an important reading skill because it helps readers make meaning from the text beyond the literal words on the page. By making inferences, readers are able to engage more deeply with the text, think critically about what they are reading, and draw connections between different parts of the text. Additionally, inferencing is a key component of comprehension, allowing readers to make sense of complex texts and ideas.

Examples:

If a character in a story is described as looking sad and holding a tissue, we can infer that the character might be crying. Similarly, if an author describes a character as being late for a meeting and rushing around, we can infer that the character is likely to be stressed or anxious.

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow. Use your inference skills to determine the implied meaning behind the text.

The sky was dark and cloudy, and there was a chill in the air. The leaves on the trees rustled in the wind, and a lone bird flew across the sky.

What can you infer about the time of day based on the description?

The time of day is not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that it is daytime because the bird is flying across the sky.

The city was busy and crowded, with people rushing around and honking their horns. Sarah felt overwhelmed by all the noise and chaos. She longed for the peace and quiet of the countryside.

What do you think Sarah prefers, the city or the countryside?

Sarah prefers the peace and quiet of the countryside.

Research shows that there is a significant correlation between exercise and mental health. Individuals who engage in regular exercise have lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than those who do not exercise.

What can you infer about the benefits of exercise for mental health?

It can be inferred that exercise is beneficial for improving mental health and reducing negative emotions.

Investment in renewable energy sources has been shown to have a positive impact on the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. By transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future.

What can you infer about the benefits of investing in renewable energy sources for mitigating the effects of climate change?

It can be inferred that investing in renewable energy sources is beneficial for mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a more sustainable future.