Reading Inference Practice

Name:

Date:

Detective with magnifying glass reading clues

🔍 Part 1: Finding Clues and Making Inferences

WALT: Make inferences by combining text clues with our prior knowledge

Read each passage carefully. Look for clues in the text and think about what you already know to make inferences.

1. Read this passage:

"Sarah grabbed her umbrella and raincoat from the hook by the door. She checked her phone one more time before stepping outside. The weather app showed dark clouds moving in from the west."

What can you infer about the weather? Circle the best answer:

It's sunny and warm

It's about to rain or is already raining

It's snowing heavily

It's a perfect day for swimming

2. Read this passage:

"Jake's stomach rumbled loudly during maths class. He kept glancing at the clock and fidgeting with his pencil. When the lunch bell finally rang, he was the first one out the door."

What can you infer about Jake? Check all that apply:

Jake was hungry

Jake was excited about lunch

Jake was bored in maths class

Jake forgot to eat breakfast

3. Read this passage:

"The old house at the end of Maple Street had broken shutters hanging at odd angles. Weeds grew through cracks in the driveway, and newspapers were piled up on the front porch. A 'For Sale' sign swayed in the front yard."

What can you infer about this house?

Someone lives there and takes good care of it

It's been empty for a while and needs repairs

It's a new house just built

The owners are on holiday

✏️ Part 2: Explain Your Thinking

4. Look back at question 1. List TWO clues from the text that helped you make your inference about the weather:

Clue 1: _________________________________

Clue 2: _________________________________

5. Read this new passage and make your own inference:

"Emma's hands were shaking as she walked onto the stage. The bright lights made it hard to see the audience, but she could hear hundreds of people talking quietly. She took a deep breath and approached the microphone."

What can you infer about how Emma is feeling? ________________________

6. Explain your thinking. What clues from the text helped you make this inference?

7. Think about your own experience. Have you ever felt the same way as Emma? When?

🎯 Part 3: Challenge Yourself

8. Read this passage and make TWO different inferences:

"Marcus checked his watch for the third time in five minutes. The train platform was crowded with people carrying suitcases and backpacks. He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his messages, then looked down the tracks hopefully."

Inference 1: _________________________________

Inference 2: _________________________________

9. Create your own inference question! Write a short passage (2-3 sentences) that contains clues but doesn't directly state what's happening: