MAP 7th Grade Reading
A comprehensive course to build reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills for the MAP 7th Grade Reading test.
Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions
Reading Between the Lines
Sometimes, authors don't tell you everything directly. That's where inferences come in! Making an inference means using clues from the text and what you already know to figure something out.
How to Make Inferences
- Pay attention to hints or clues.
- Use your background knowledge.
- Connect the dots to understand what's not directly said.
Drawing a conclusion is similar, but it's your final idea based on all the clues and facts you've gathered.
Why This Skill Matters
Inferences help you:
- Understand characters' feelings.
- Predict what might happen next.
- Figure out why events happened.
Real-World Connections
You use inferences and conclusions when:
- Watching movies and guessing the ending.
- Reading between the lines in texts or emails.
- Solving mysteries in books or in real life!
Examples
Reading that a character stomped out of the room and inferring she was angry, even if the story never says 'she was angry.'
Concluding that it will rain soon after you see dark clouds and people carrying umbrellas in a story.
In a Nutshell
Use text clues and what you know to figure out hidden meanings.