Making Inferences using Narrative Text

MAKING MEANING

Good readers ask questions while they read.Sometimes the questions have answers that are directly

stated in the text.

Ex: In Van Gogh Café, we know that the main character’s name is Clara. We know this because the book states here

name directly.

MAKING INFERENCES

Sometimes, a reader’s questions are not directly answered in the text.

In this case, the reader has to use a strategy called “inferring.”

This means that they use prior knowledge and clues from the story to find the answer.

Ex: In Van Gogh Café the text does not directly state Clara’s mom and dad are divorced, but it gives us clues.

MAKING INFERENCES

“Marc bought the café seven years ago, and he is the one who painted purple hydrangeas all over the ladies’

bathroom and put the sign above the cash register. But the phonograph and the hen were already there when he

arrived. Clara’s mother doesn’t like Kansas and she lives in New York City, where Clara visits her each June. But Clara preferred Kansas the moment she laid eyes on it. Kansas is like a tall person relaxing, she says. It seems right for her.”

A TASTE OF THE TEXT

Which of the choices on the next slide is a clue as to whether or not Clara’s parents may be divorced?

EXAMPLE OF INFERRING?

“Clara is not surprised the possum has gone away. Things are always changing at the Van Gogh Café, and something

new is sure to happen soon. Perhaps when lighting strikes…”

A TASTE OF TEXT

What can you infer will happen next in the story? Write your answer on the next slide. Do NOT draw pictures.

YOU RESPOND…

Tell me what it means to “infer” as a reader on the next slide. Do NOT draw pictures.

YOU RESPOND…

Use sticky notes today as you read to mark inference clues to the questions you asked about your book. Fill out your

sheet while you read. Good luck!!

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