Inference

• Literacy
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• BTEC

Inference

• This is also referred to 'reading between the lines'
• You need to look for what is being suggested rather than what is being stated clearly or obviously.
• Detective skills are required. 

You will find different things being inferred. It could be...

• a general fact or a precise piece of information
• emotions and feelings
• the author's real opinions or feelings.

Read the following extract.

The men walked down the street to the mine with their heads bent close to their chests. In groups of 5 or 6 they scurried on . It was impossible to recognise the individuals from the small gaps between their caps, pulled down over their eyes, and the tightly bound scarves tied securely over the bottom half of their faces. 

What was the weather like?

1. warm and sunny
2. cold and windy

Inference - example. Read the extract below.

Rain lashed against the windows as Jane stamped up and down the room stopping only to check the time on the mantle clock every 5 minutes. Her book, bought with such enthusiasm the day before, was flung carelessly in the corner beside the abandoned picnic basket. Jane stamped her feet and began to repeat her earlier tedious complaints against nature. Emily merely smiled to herself and carried on reading the newspaper without as much as a nod of the head. 

What plans had Jane for the day?

1. To read a book.
2. To go for a picnic.

How would you describe Jane's mood?

1. annoyed and angry
2. happy and contented

Which of the following expressions does the author use to suggest her disapproval of the main character?

1. 'her book....was flung carelessly'
2. 'stamped her feet'
3. 'began to repeat her earlier tedious complaints about nature'
4. All of the above

'Emily merely smiled to herself and carried on reading the newspaper without as much as a nod of the head.'
How do you think Emily felt about Jane and/or the picnic?

Activity 1 

Go to your One Note - Class Notes and read the article; Chocolate is Good for You! 

Complete the activities. 

Activity 2

Go to your One Note - Class Notes and complete the activity on 'Whitney Houston found underwater' in bath.