How to Make an Inference

Sometimes when we read, the author leaves gaps for our brain to fill in. Our brain will naturally fill in these gaps when we're watching a movie or reading a novel. When we encounter more demanding or difficult information, we will have to do a little bit more work to fill in these gaps. Keep reading to learn more about how to use logic and your reading comprehension skills to draw conclusions and make inferences.

Why is it important to be able to draw conclusions?

As you grow in strength as a reader, it is important to be able to understand what the author isn't telling you and be able to appropriately make judgements about that information after you've read it. These judgements or conclusions are called inferences. Making inferences is an essential skill because it allows individuals to read between the lines, uncover deeper meanings, and connect ideas that are not explicitly stated. This skill is crucial for understanding complex texts, interpreting subtle social cues, and solving problems in everyday situations. For example, in reading, making inferences helps a person grasp the author’s underlying message or the emotions of characters without being directly told. Similarly, in conversations, it enables individuals to pick up on unspoken feelings or implied meanings, improving communication and relationships. Additionally, inferences are vital in critical thinking and decision-making, as they allow people to draw conclusions from limited information, evaluate situations, and anticipate outcomes. Developing this skill enhances comprehension, empathy, and the ability to think analytically across various contexts.

What is the process for drawing a conclusion?

The process of making an inference has 3 basic steps that can be applied to many different types of information.  First, you have to make observations. You need to explore and understand the information you've been given. The easiest way to do this is to use the 5-W's: Who? What? When? Where? Why? Using your skills of observation to understand the information, whether it's reading an essay or a novel, or looking at a photo or a graph, will help you make stronger inferences.

Step two will usually happen naturally if you are a critical thinker. Step two is to mix what you observe with your own ideas, sound logic, experiences, and knowledge base. Most of us will naturally make associations with the information we are given. We will interpret that information based on our own experiences and base of knowledge.

The third step is to actually draw conclusions. Many times, you will do this by answering questions that ask you to fill in the gaps. The author or creator of the information won't tell you everything. They will count on you to fill in the gaps. You can also make inferences by taking something you observe in the information and attempting to tell the story behind it. Continue reading to see how you can apply this to the different types of information you will encounter. 

Here is a simplified version of the steps we've just learned:

1. Make observations using the 5-W's: Who? What? When? Where? Why?

2. Mix what you observe with your own experiences, your knowledge base, and sound logic.

3. Draw conclusions to answer questions or to explain the information you've been given.

Let's use the process above to make an inference. 

Scenario #1:

Sophia is in the kitchen cleaning up. She loves to bake. Earlier this morning she decided to try a new recipe. She mixed all the ingredients and put the cake in the oven. Just as she realizes the cake should be done, she starts to smell smoke.

Step 1: Make observations. Who? What? When? Where? Why? (Are there any other clues we need to pay attention to)? 

Step 2: Mix these observations with your logic and what you already know about baking. The more you know about baking, the easier it will be for you to make an inference. 

Step 2: Make an inference by answering a question: Why does Sophia smell smoke?

The best inference we can make is that the cake is burning. This is because it is logical and it relies directly on what we observed in the sentences. 

We could also guess that the smoke smell is a volcano erupting outside her house. But why is this a weak or illogical inference? Because there is no evidence to suggest there is a volcano. Also, because it is illogical to assume a smoke smell in a kitchen is something so extreme and rare. 

An inference is more than a guess: wild guesses are not inferences. While there may not be any evidence that it is NOT a volcano, it just isn't logical to infer that as the source of the smell. The best inference is that the cake is burning because it aligns with the information we are given, our knowledge of cooking, and the application of logic. 

Can you make an inference to tell the logical story behind what is happening here?

Scenario #2:

As Sarah walked into her room, she noticed the scattered papers and the overturned chair. The window was slightly ajar also, letting in a cool breeze that rustled the curtains. Her heart raced as she realized her laptop was missing from the desk. She glanced around frantically, spotting a faint, muddy footprint on the carpet near the window. She quickly grabbed her phone to call someone. 

Step 1: Make observations.

Step 2: Use your own logic and experience.

Step 3: Answer the questions to make inferences: What has happened here? Who is she going to call?

Can you make an inference to tell the logical story behind what is happening here?

Scenario #3:

Emelie hurried down the hallway, her footsteps echoing off the walls. She clutched the paper tightly to her chest. All her hard work couldn't go to waste. As she rounded the corner, she nearly collided with a group of students who were laughing and chatting. She apologized quickly and continued on her way, her eyes darting between her watch and scanning the wall for room numbers. Finally, she found the right door and knocked softly. After a moment, the door opened, and a surprised face looked back at her. "Am I too late?" she asked breathlessly.  The person on the other side of the door looked at their watch, exhaled, and said, "I suppose not." Emma smiled and handed over the paper, her cheeks flushing with excitement as she breathed a sigh of relief.

Step 1: Make Observations.

Step 2: Use your own logic and experience.

Step 3: Answer the questions to make inferences: Where is Emelie? What is she doing? Who is on the other side of the door? What is the paper she delivers? 

Click here to continue to M5.2 Inferences in Pictures and Graphs