2. What’s an inference?
Inference means that you understand
something that the author did not
directly say. You can find clues in the
author's words. The clues help you to
make an inference. It is an educated
guess, but you are only looking for
things implied in the text.
3. What’s an inference?
To make an inference is to draw a conclusion about
what you have read
We make conclusions when we read texts that don’t
necessarily give the direct answer or state the main
idea
Making an inference involves two
ingredients:
Stated Evidence
Prior Knowledge
4. Think: the RAM Method
READ the evidence
+
APPLY prior knowledge
=
MAKE a conclusion
5. Imply vs. Infer
When an idea is implied, it means that the
information is being suggested by the person,
author, etc.
Example:
Friend #1 says: “So what do you think of my new
boyfriend?”
Friend #2 says: “Well, he doesn’t have a job, he
hangs out with other girls, and he smokes a lot.”
Friend #1 says: “So what are you implying?”
What is Friend #2 implying?
6. Imply vs. Infer
When an idea is inferred, it means that the other
person has concluded something based on the
information from the person, author, etc.
Example:
Friend #1 says: “So what do you think of my new
boyfriend?”
Friend #2 says: “Well, he doesn’t have a job, he
hangs out with other girls, and he smokes a lot.”
Friend #1 says: “So you think he is no good.”
What is Friend #1 inferring?
7. Test Yourself
Try the homework exercise
provided by your instructor to see
how well you understand the
difference between imply and
infer.
8. Inferences are Everywhere
We make conclusions all the time in life, while
watching movies, reading, or having conversations.
In reading, we very often make logical leaps from
information stated (EVIDENCE), which are like
clues, that we must piece together.
Think of it like detective work: here are the clues
and what you know already about the case. Can
you solve the mystery?
9. Making Inferences While
Reading (RAM!)
1. Focus on the clues, which is the
evidence provided
2. Use your background information and
experience
3. Consider alternatives
10. Test Yourself
1. What does it mean to imply?
2. What does it mean to infer?
3. What is a good way to make an inference? (Hint: its
acronym is an animal) What do those 3 letters
stand for?
