Drawing Inferences

Drawing Inferences August 16, 2011

What is an inference? • Identifying context clues to put together to form a conclusion about a story, situation, or person.

Character Inferences • Using information about the character through their actions. • Motives of the character are based on how they act throughout the story. • Using their personality, passed experiences, habits, and behaviors to create an inference.

Example of a Character Inference Action • Maliyah doesn’t like to help anyone out unless it benefits her. She never volunteers her services. She always wants to be the leader, but she doesn’t lead effectively. She ignores suggestions and she controls people who are vulnerable. What type of character is Maliyah? How did you draw this conclusion?

Example of a Character Inference Motives • Jennifer and Eric are arguing about their past relationship. Jennifer is furious at Eric, so she decides to throw a drink at him. Eric throws a drink back at her. • What is Eric’s motive? • How did you draw this inference?

Let’s Act on a Short Story! Read “The Yellow Wallpaper” and start writing notes on the narrator, John, and Jennie. What are their personalities like? What is John’s motive? What purpose does Jennie serve in the house?

Inferences in Poetry • Preview the poem • Look at structure, stanzas, and lines • Read it aloud • Complete understanding about the poem • Establish the emotion of the poem • Identify the imagery • Gather information about the location. • Determine what is going on. • Evaluate the theme • Establish a theme or themes about the poem.

Emily Dickinson’s “I’m Nobody! Who Are You? • I'm nobody! Who are you?Are you nobody, too?Then there's a pair of us — don't tell!They'd banish us, you know. How dreary to be somebody!How public, like a frogTo tell your name the livelong dayTo an admiring bog!

Margaret Walker’s “Kissie Lee” • Listen very carefully and read the poem. • What are some images that you can identify? • What is the theme behind “Kissie Lee” • List some context clues. • List the words that are unfamiliar.

Game Time! • The class will be split up into two teams. • You have to be quiet during the game. Points will be deducted and will be give to the opposing team. • You must raise your hand! If you shout out an answer, points will be given to the opposing team. • Let’s play!!!

1st Question!!! • Define Inference.

2nd Question • If a house says “For Rent” outside. You can infer the house is: • A. Brand new • B. Needs new occupants • C. Has furniture in the house • D. Old and abandon

3rd Question • If you get fired from your job, you can infer that: • A. You are getting a raise. • B. You have done something wrong. • C. You were the best worker. • D. You will never get another job again.

4th Question • If you see someone fall off their bike, you can infer that: • A. They have lost their balance. • B. It’s a brand new bike • C. They have never ridden it before. • D. They weren’t wearing a helmet.

5th Question • If you forget to return your library book, you can infer that: • A. You will have to pay a fine. • B. They will take away your library card. • C. You can’t read very well. • D. The library must be closed.

6th Question • If you have forgotten to study for a test, you can infer that: • A. The teach will let you take it tomorrow. • B. You might not do well. • C. You will be better than if you did study. • D. The teacher will send you to the principal.

BONUS QUESTION • Please summarize “Good Country People”.

Drawing Inferences