Inference means working out something the writer suggests but does not say directly — like a detective using clues. It is one of the most tested reading skills.
Find the clue: a word, action or detail in the text.
Add what you already know about the world.
Make the inference, then prove it: ‘I think… because the text says…’.
Passage used for practice: “Sam stood at the edge of the pool, toes curled over the tiles. Everyone else had already jumped. He took a deep breath, looked back at the ladder, then at the water again.”
Worked example 1
How is Sam feeling? Explain how you know.
Clues: ‘toes curled’, ‘deep breath’, looking back at the ladder.
What I know: people take deep breaths and hesitate when nervous.
Inference with evidence.
Answer: Nervous, because he takes a deep breath and looks back at the ladder as if thinking of leaving.
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Practice questions
Intermediate · ages 9–14
Inference in reading
NameDate
Read the passage about Sam. Answer with one word, then explain using the text.
1.Is Sam in or out of the water?
2.Has Sam jumped yet? (yes/no)
3.Which object suggests Sam might climb out another way?
4.One word for how Sam feels:
5.Which word shows others were braver or quicker than Sam?
Intermediate · answersAnswer key
Inference in reading — answer key
Read the passage about Sam. Answer with one word, then explain using the text.
1.Is Sam in or out of the water?out
2.Has Sam jumped yet? (yes/no)no
3.Which object suggests Sam might climb out another way?ladder
4.One word for how Sam feels:nervous
5.Which word shows others were braver or quicker than Sam?already
Tips
Common mistakes
Guessing without evidence — every inference needs a quote or detail.
Retelling the story instead of answering what it suggests.
