Making Inferences

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Questions and Answers

Hercule Poirot's success in solving mysteries is primarily attributed to which skill?

  • His ability to intimidate suspects into confessing.
  • His reliance on advanced forensic technology.
  • His meticulous observation skills and ability to make inferences. (correct)
  • His extensive network of informants providing crucial information.

Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates the application of inferencing skills?

  • Memorizing a list of capital cities of different countries.
  • Repeating a recipe verbatim without understanding the chemical reactions.
  • Recalling the exact dialogue from a movie scene.
  • Predicting traffic patterns based on the time of day and historical data. (correct)

Why is it important for readers to develop strong inferencing skills?

  • To accurately quote texts in academic papers.
  • To quickly skim through texts without missing key details.
  • To memorize details and recall them later.
  • To understand implicit meanings and 'read between the lines'. (correct)

What is the first step in making a logical inference from a text?

<p>Identifying unanswered questions about the text. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After gathering text evidence, which of the following is the MOST critical next step in making an inference?

<p>Connecting the evidence with your background knowledge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of reading, what constitutes 'evidence'?

<p>Any detail from the text that supports an inference. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ensure that the text evidence gathered is relevant to the question you're trying to answer?

<p>To avoid distractions and ensure the inference is logically sound. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible pitfall when applying background knowledge to make inferences?

<p>Relying too heavily on personal biases or assumptions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests a contrast between Polynesian and European navigation. Which statement best describes the implied difference in their approaches?

<p>Polynesian navigation integrated a deep understanding of celestial patterns and mental mapping, while European navigation leaned more towards instrumental and mathematical methods. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the description of the 'star compass,' what can be inferred about its nature?

<p>It was primarily a conceptual framework, a memorized system of star patterns and routes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text emphasizes the importance of stars to early Polynesians. Which inference is best supported by this emphasis?

<p>Stars played a central role in Polynesian culture, influencing not only navigation but also their worldview and daily life. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the text's description of early European navigation, what limitation can be inferred about their methods compared to Polynesian methods?

<p>European methods may have been less adaptable and intuitive compared to the Polynesian reliance on memorized routes and star patterns. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text calls early Polynesians 'some of the best ocean navigators in history.' Which evidence from the text most strongly supports this claim?

<p>They successfully navigated between the many islands of the Pacific Ocean using star compasses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text defines inference as combining 'text evidence with your background knowledge.' Based on this definition, what is the primary role of 'background knowledge' in making an inference?

<p>To provide context and understanding that allows for drawing conclusions beyond what is explicitly stated. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of including the example of Polynesian navigation in the provided text about inferences?

<p>To provide a concrete illustration of how inferences are made by combining textual details to understand a broader concept. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which inference about the night sky is best supported by the text's description of Polynesian navigation?

<p>The night sky can be a reliable and understandable guide for navigation if one learns to recognize patterns and routes within it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions is most similar in structure and intent to the example inference question provided in the text about Polynesian navigation?

<p>Based on the text, what is the most likely reason Polynesian navigation was so successful? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which evidence from the text best supports the inference that Polynesian navigation required extensive training and memorization?

<p>'a mental map of stars, to follow to their destination' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is an inference?

A conclusion based on clues and your own knowledge.

Why are inferencing skills important?

To understand the deeper meaning and unspoken parts of a text.

Identify a question

Figure out what you want to know from the text.

Gather text evidence

Collect information from the text related to your question.

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Combine evidence with background knowledge

Combine text evidence with your own knowledge to make a conclusion.

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Who is Hercule Poirot?

A fictional detective known for his great sleuthing skills and making inferences.

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What clues did Poirot notice?

Small details or changes that others might miss.

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What is 'reading between the lines'?

Combining clues from the text with your own knowledge to understand more than what's written

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What is inferencing?

Drawing conclusions based on text evidence and prior knowledge.

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How to make inferences?

Combine text evidence with what you already know.

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Where are inferences used?

Assessments, from standardized tests to in-class exams.

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Supporting Text Evidence

Looking for specific text that supports an inference.

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Example Inference Question

A question that asks you to pick the most logical inference from the reading.

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Polynesian Navigation

They used a mental map of stars to navigate the Pacific Ocean.

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Star compass

A memorized and reliable route for their journey.

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European Navigators

Instruments and mathematics for navigation.

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Navigation Techniques

Early European and Polynesian explorers used different techniques for sea navigation.

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The reader's role

Combine text evidence with your background knowledge to draw a conclusion.

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Study Notes

  • An inference is a conclusion based on clues and background knowledge.
  • Inferencing combines existing knowledge with textual details to draw conclusions.

Importance of Inferencing

  • Inferencing is used daily to solve problems, make predictions, and understand situations.
  • Skilled readers use inferencing to understand implicit meanings, arguments, stories, and characters.

How to Make Inferences

  • Identify a question about the text that is not explicitly answered.
  • Gather relevant text evidence related to characters, events, or topics.
  • Combine text evidence with background knowledge, including prior information and textual details.

Example of Inferencing

  • In "The Martian," Mark Watney's journal entry suggests a dire situation.
  • The entry indicates he was presumed dead and is isolated.

Practice Questions for Inferencing

  • Common question types include:
    • Finding evidence to support an inference.
    • Determining which inference is best supported by the text.
    • Identifying what is likely true based on the text.
    • Choosing the most logical inference.
    • Determining which evidence led to a specific inference.

Practice Example: Polynesian Navigation

  • Early Polynesians relied on stars for navigation.
  • They used a mental "star compass" to navigate the Pacific Ocean.
  • Early European navigators used instruments and mathematics.
  • Correct answer - Early European and Polynesian explorers used different techniques for sea navigation

Key Takeaway

  • Making inferences involves combining text evidence with background knowledge to understand the text fully.

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