Chap 11 Inferences

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The Effective Reader

(Updated Edition)

by D. J. Henry

Chapter 11: Inferences

PowerPoint Presentation

by Gretchen Starks-Martin

St. Cloud State University, MN

2004 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers


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Inferences

An inference or conclusion is an idea that is

suggested by the facts or details in a

passage or picture. A valid inference is a logical conclusion

based on evidence.

What are the emotionsshown in this picture?


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Thinking Through Inferences

A common pitfall is to rely too much onopinions and bias.

An effective readers goal is to find outwhat the author is saying, stating, orimplying.

An invalid conclusion is a false inferencethat is not based on the details, or facts inthe text or on reasonable thinking.


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The VALID Approach to Inferences

Step 1: Verify and value the facts.

Step 2: Assess prior knowledge.

Step 3: Learn from the text.

Step 4: Investigate for bias.

Step 5: Detect contradictions.


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Step 1: Verify and Value the Facts.

Korea has long been known as the Eastern Land of Courtesy.

When happy, a Korean simply smiles or gently touches the one who

brings the happiness. When angry, a Korean simply stares directly at

the person, and that persons humble smile is a powerful apology.

What are the valid inferences?

1. Koreans are quiet and reserved people.

2. Koreans show their emotions.

3. Koreans are afraid of hurting the feelings

of other people.


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Korea has long been known as the Eastern Land of Courtesy.

When happy, a Korean simply smiles or gently touches the one who

brings the happiness. When angry, a Korean simply stares directly at

the person, and that persons humble smile is a powerful apology.

What are the valid inferences?

1. Koreans are quiet and reserved people.

2. Koreans show their emotions.

3. Koreans are afraid of hurting the feelings

of other people.


7/19 2004 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers


What can be inferred from the picture?

The baseball player feels angry.

The baseball player feels triumphant.

The baseball player feels defeated.



Step 2: Assess Prior Knowledge.

What you already know and have experienced can

help make accurate inferences.

I forgot to make a back-up copy of my brain, soeverything I learned last semester was lost. What

is being compared?

Compared to a computer

Compared to a friend

Compared to what he knows



Step 3: Learn from the Text.

A valid inference is always based on what is

stated or implied by the details in the text.

Context clues can unlock the meaning of anauthors use of vocabulary.



Inferences & Context Clues

Nikki is not her usual docile self when sheis playing basketball; she has more fouls

called on her for unnecessary roughnessthan any of her teammates. Docilemeans:

A. bold

B. meek

C. brave



Step 4: Investigate for Bias.

To make a valid inference, we mustinvestigate our response to information for

bias. Our bias can shape our reading of the

authors meaning.

Note biased words and replace them withfactual details as you form yourconclusions.



Step 5: Detect Contradictions.

The effective reader hunts for the most reasonable explanation for

something.

The best way to do this is to consider other explanations that could

logically contradict your first impression. In the following list of behaviors, how many explanations for them can

you think of?

Slurred words

Poor balance

Slow movement

Fatigue or tiredness


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Inferences in Creative

Expression: Literary Devices Connotation of Words

The emotional meaning of words

My home is for sale.


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Expression: Literary Devices Metaphor

A direct comparison

Lies are sinkholes.

Personification

Giving human traits to things that are nothuman

The sun woke slowly.


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Expression: Literary Devices Simile

An indirect comparison

Lies are like sticky webs. Symbol

Something that stands for or suggests

something elseA skull and crossbones is a symbol forpoison and death.


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Inferences in Literature

Words are used to create mental pictures.

Genes skin was pale and hot to the touch;

he squeezed his eyes tight against thethrobbing in his head, and as he lifted his

fingers to press on his temple, his stomach

lurched with nausea.

The inference is that Gene is sick.


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Inferences and Visual Aids

Pictures, photos, cartoons, and graphs imply

ideas in textbooks. What do these imply?


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Chapter Review

1. An inference or conclusion is an idea that is

suggested by the facts or details in a passage.

2. An author suggests or implies an idea.3. The five steps for making sound inferences are:

1. Verify and value the facts.

2. Learn from the text.3. Investigate for bias.

4. Detect contradictions.


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Practice

Complete the following:

Chapter Review

Applications Review Tests

Mastery Tests

Remember to complete your scorecard for theReview Tests in this chapter.

Chap 11 Inferences

Documents

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