If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

Course: 6th grade reading and vocabulary (improved and expanded) > Unit 1

Lesson 3: Making inferences
Reading & language arts
6th grade reading and vocabulary (improved and expanded)
The rules we live by...and the ones we break
Making inferences
© 2024 Khan AcademyTerms of usePrivacy PolicyCookie Notice

Inferences in texts

Google Classroom
Become a reading detective!

What are inferences?

You’re approaching the end of the newest superhero movie when you notice an important clue: Awesomeman has slipped the team’s top-secret document into his pocket. In that instant, you realize that he’s actually a traitor to the team. But how did you figure that out?
In the scenario above, you were making an inference: you connected the information the movie gave you with your knowledge of the world to draw a conclusion. You know that loyal people don’t usually steal top-secret documents, so you put the clues together to figure out that Awesomeman might have an evil scheme.
People make inferences all the time: they find and connect clues in texts, movies, images, and even in the behavior of other people. But why are inferencing skills important? How can you become a better inference maker? To find out the answer to these questions, come on a learning journey with me.

Why are inferencing skills important?

  • They help us understand others. Making inferences allows us to understand what people mean when they don't explicitly say it.
  • They improve our reading comprehension. When we read, we often need to make inferences to fully understand the text. Authors can’t tell us everything: some things we need to figure out for ourselves. Making inferences helps us grasp the author's intended meaning and enjoy the story more.
  • They develop critical thinking skills. Making inferences requires us to analyze information and draw conclusions based on evidence. This helps develop critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in school and life.

How can I make accurate inferences?

  • Look for clues and put them together: Clues in the text or conversation can help you figure out what the person is trying to say. Then, put the clues together to make a conclusion. For example, when Anjali completely misses the goal in the last moments of the soccer game and her rival Erica calls out, “Great shot!” you can infer that Erica is being sarcastic.
    Inference: “Great shot!” + missed goal = sarcasm
  • Use your background knowledge: When answering inference questions about a text, they should always be based in clues that you find in the text. However, your knowledge of the world will help you understand and connect those clues.
  • Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice making inferences, the better you'll become at it. Try making inferences while reading books, watching movies, or having conversations with friends and family.

Try it!

Practice: Inferences
A photograph of a group of students in uniforms sitting on the floor, directing their attention towards an unseen speaker
A significant number of schools in the United States require students to follow strict dress codes. Advocates believe that school dress codes can reduce competition among students and enable them to focus more on learning. However, critics say that school dress codes have a larger impact on female, African American, and
students. These students tend to have clothes they more commonly wear banned in dress codes. They also tend to be punished more often for violating dress codes. Therefore, to ensure that dress codes are fair, school staff should check that all students are being held to the same dress code standards. In addition, people who invent dress codes should work to ______.
Fill in the blank with the most logical inference.
Choose 1 answer:

Practice: Inferences
A photograph of the three winners of 200-meter race in the 1968 Olympics. Two of them, first place winner Tommie Smith, and third place John Carlos, have their fists in the air.
A photograph of Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists at the 1968 Olympics.
Tommie Smith, an African-American athlete, and John Carlos, an African-American athlete of Cuban descent, used their wins in the 1968 Olympics to fight for civil rights. Smith won the gold medal and Carlos won the bronze medal in the 200-meter race. When they went to receive their medals, they wore black gloves and socks, but no shoes. They also wore pins with the symbol of the Olympic Project for Human Rights, an organization that fought to end racism in athletics. The silver medalist, Australian Peter Norman, also wore a borrowed badge to show his support for the cause. As the national anthem played, both Smith and Carlos raised their fists in the air, a symbol of Black power and unity. At the time, they were expelled from the Olympics, but in 2019, they were inducted into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame.
A student infers that views of Smith’s and Carlos’s act changed over time. Which line from the text most likely led her to this inference?
Choose 1 answer:

Remember!

Making accurate inferences is an essential skill for understanding texts, movies, and other people. By connecting clues and using your background knowledge, you'll make better inferences and improve your communication, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills. So the next time you're trying to figure out what someone means or what's happening in a story, don't forget to put your inference skills to the test.
Happy reading! 📖

Want to join the conversation?

Log in