Making Inferences Worksheet

Name:

Date:

Detective with magnifying glass looking for clues

🔍 Part 1: What is an Inference?

An inference is like being a detective! You use clues from the text plus what you already know to figure out something the author didn't directly tell you.

Formula: Text Clues + What I Know = Inference

1. Read this sentence: "Maria grabbed her umbrella and raincoat before heading outside." What can you infer about the weather?

It's sunny and hot

It's raining or about to rain

It's snowing

It's windy

2. "Jake's stomach growled loudly as he walked past the cafeteria. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his lunch money." What can you infer?

Jake is tired

Jake is hungry

Jake is angry

Jake is late for class

3. "Sarah practiced piano for two hours every day after school. On the day of the recital, her hands were shaking as she walked onto the stage." What can you infer about how Sarah feels?

She is excited and confident

She is nervous but prepared

She is angry about performing

She doesn't want to play piano

🕵️ Part 2: Find the Clues

Read each passage and answer the questions about inferences.

4. "The old house creaked and groaned in the wind. Dusty sheets covered the furniture, and spider webs hung in every corner. Tommy's flashlight flickered as he slowly climbed the stairs."

What can you infer about this house? ____________________________

What text clues helped you make this inference? List two:

Clue 1: ________________________________

Clue 2: ________________________________

5. "Lisa had been saving her allowance for three months. She counted her money one more time before walking into the pet store. Her face lit up when she saw the perfect puppy in the window."

What can you infer Lisa wants to do? _______________________________

6. "Marcus put on his helmet and knee pads. He checked his shoelaces twice to make sure they were tight. Taking a deep breath, he pushed off and started rolling down the steep hill."

What is Marcus probably doing? Circle the best inference:

Riding a bicycle

Skateboarding or rollerblading

Playing football

Going for a walk

💭 Part 3: Make Your Own Inference

7. "The alarm clock rang at 6:00 AM. Emma jumped out of bed and put on her swimsuit and goggles. She grabbed a towel and a water bottle before heading out the door."

Write your inference about where Emma is going and what she plans to do:

8. Create your own example! Write 2-3 sentences that give clues about a character or situation, but don't directly state what's happening. Let someone else make an inference!