Drawing InferencesDrawing Inferences

Read Between the LinesRead Between the Lines

Not all information is clearly stated.Not all information is clearly stated.Some information is implied and must be Some information is implied and must be inferred by the reader.inferred by the reader.

Sources of InferencesSources of Inferences

You can sometimes draw an inference by You can sometimes draw an inference by observing something or someone.observing something or someone.You can draw inferences when having a You can draw inferences when having a conversation with someone, either by the conversation with someone, either by the way the person said something or what way the person said something or what was left unsaid.was left unsaid.In reading, inferences can be drawn by In reading, inferences can be drawn by analyzing the actions of the characters.analyzing the actions of the characters.

Inferences vs. FactsInferences vs. Facts

Inferences must be drawn from the facts Inferences must be drawn from the facts that are provided to be accurate.that are provided to be accurate.However, you can underline a fact in a However, you can underline a fact in a book, but you can only feel an inference.book, but you can only feel an inference.

Higher-Order SkillsHigher-Order Skills

The ability to draw inferences is one of the The ability to draw inferences is one of the higher-order reading skills.higher-order reading skills.

SourceSource

Hancock, Ophelia. Hancock, Ophelia. Reading Skills for Reading Skills for College Students.College Students. 7 7thth ed. Upper Saddle ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2007.River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2007.