2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers Chapter 7: Inference Bridging the Gap, 9/e Brenda Smith

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers

Chapter 7: Inference

Bridging the Gap, 9/eBrenda Smith


In This Chapter You Will Answer the Questions:

What is an inference, and what does it mean to read between the lines?

What is the connotation of a word? Why do authors use figurative language,

and how can understanding it enhance comprehension?

Why is prior knowledge needed for implied meaning?

How does a reader draw conclusions?


What Is An Inference?

Inferential level deals with: Motives Feelings Judgements Suggestion

artistic creative entertaining


Connotation of Words

Denotation is the specific meaning of a word.

Connotation refers to the feeling or emotionalism surrounding a word.

(Ex: skinny communicates a negative feeling).

(Ex: slender or slim communicates a positive feeling).


Euphemisms and Politically Correct Language

A euphemism is a substitution of a harsh term for one more polite. Example: “He passed away” instead of “He died.”

Politically correct language or doublespeak is used to hide something unpleasant. Example: Using “collateral damage” instead of “civilian casualties.”


Figurative Language

Figurative language comparisons that are not literally true.

(Ex: “She worked like a dog”) Idioms Similes Metaphors Literary Analogies Hyperbole or Overstatement Personification Verbal Irony


Idioms

Idioms are expressions that do not make literal sense but have taken on a new generally accepted meaning over many years of use.

(Ex: his eyes were bigger than his stomach)


Similes

A simile is a comparison of two unlike things using the words like or as.

(Ex: the spring flower pushed up its bloom like a lighthouse beckoning on a gloomy night.)


Metaphors

A metaphor is a direct comparison of two unlike things (without using like or as).

(Ex: The corporate accountant is a computer from nine to five.)


Literary Analogy

A literary analogy is a comparison of two unlike things that can be a simile or a metaphor.

Example: “Time is like a river.”


Hyperbole

Hyperbole or overstatement is an exaggeration to describe something as being more than it actually is.

An understatement minimizes the point. Example of hyperbole: I could sleep for

twenty days and nights and still be tired. Example of understatement: His clothes

have seen better days.


Personification

Personification is attributing human characteristics to non-human things.

Example: The birds speak from the forest.

Example: Time marches on.


Verbal Irony

Verbal irony is the use of words to express a meaning that is the opposite of what is literally said.

If the intent is to hurt, the irony is called sarcasm.

Example: “What a great looking corporate outfit!” (said to someone wearing torn jeans).

Example: “There is nothing like a sunny day for a picnic” (said on a day of pouring rain).


Figurative Language in Poetry

In poetry, the language is often condensed and uses figurative language.

Read the poem several times, at least one time out loud.

Visualize what you read.


Figurative Language in Poetry

Example:

Campfire extinguished

The woman washing dishes

In a pan of stars

Explanation: When all light is extinguished outside, the stars are so bright that they illuminate the pan for washing.


Inferences From Facts

The author selects facts. No direct connection is stated. The reader must figure out the

suggested message.


Example of Inferences

Fact 1: The population of all European Union countries combined grew by 343,000 last year.

Fact 2: The population of India grew in the first week of 2001 by 343,000.

The inference is that India’s population is increasing at an alarming rate.


Inferences About a Speaker or Narrator

Sometimes we can figure out who the speaker or narrator is by the way they explain something or by their dialogue.

Example: Children now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority. They show disrespect for elders. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, cross their legs and tyrannize their teachers.

(written by Greek philosopher Plato about 2,300 years ago)


Inferences Based on Action and Description

Inferences Based on Description of a Person

Inferences Based on Action Inferences Based on Description of a Place

See pages 373-376 for examples of these types of inferences.


Types of Inferences

Inference from actions Inference from factual material Inferences from description


Using Prior Knowledge to Make Inferences

Prior knowledge is expected. Details help you infer time. Details help you infer place.


Reader’s Tip: Making Inferences

Consider the attitude in the author’s choice of words.

Unravel actions. Interpret motives. Use suggested meaning and facts to

make assumptions. Draw on prior knowledge to make

connections. Base conclusions on stated ideas and

unstated assumptions.


Drawing Conclusions

Make a logical deduction from both stated and unstated ideas.

Use hints as well as the facts. Rely on prior knowledge and

experience to interpret motives, actions, and outcomes.


Summary Points

What is an inference? What is the connotation of a word? What is figurative language? Why is prior knowledge needed to grasp

implied meaning? How does a reader draw conclusions?


Search the Net

For suggested Web sites and other research activities, go to http://www.ablongman.com/smith/


Concept Prep for Philosophy and Literature

Who were the most notable Greek philosophers? Socrates Plato Aristotle

What are literary genres? Poetry Drama Fiction Essays


Concept Prep for Political Science

What is the U.S. Constitution? What are the three branches of

government? What are political parties? What are capitalism, communism, and

socialism?

For information on these political science concepts, see pages 413-414 in your book.


Vocabulary Booster

Complete the exercises on root words entitled “Can I Get That in Writing?”

Documents

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers Chapter 7: Inference Bridging the Gap, 9/e Brenda Smith