Inference and Interpretation: Master the Art of Making Meaning from Texts

Question 1

The author writes, "The air grew thick with anticipation as the crowd hushed." What can we guess is about to happen?

Accepted Answer

The event is about to start, and everyone is excited.

Answer

The event is boring, and everyone is tired.

Answer

The event is dangerous, and everyone is scared.

Question 2

A character in a story keeps fidgeting, avoids looking at others, and sweats a lot. What might this character be feeling?

Accepted Answer

The character is nervous or anxious.

Answer

The character is happy and excited.

Answer

The character is bored and uninterested.

Question 3

A story takes place in a busy marketplace with colorful shops and the smell of spices. What kind of place is this?

Accepted Answer

The place is probably in a lively, culturally rich area.

Answer

The place is in a quiet, rural area.

Answer

The place is in a cold, lonely area.

Question 4

The main character says, "I've always wanted to travel the world and see different cultures." What does this tell us about the character?

Accepted Answer

The character is adventurous and curious.

Answer

The character is selfish and only cares about themself.

Answer

The character is lazy and doesn't like to do things.

Answer

The character is shy and quiet.

Question 5

The author describes a character's eyes as "piercing blue." What might this tell us about the character?

Accepted Answer

The character is sharp, smart, and good at noticing things.

Answer

The character is clumsy, careless, and forgets things easily.

Answer

The character is kind, caring, and gentle.

Question 6

A news report says that a local park has been having a lot of vandalism. What might this tell us about the community?

Accepted Answer

Maybe people don't respect public spaces or feel like they belong to the community.

Answer

The community is very safe and secure.

Answer

The community is very wealthy and has a lot of resources.

Question 7

The narrator says, "The old house creaked and groaned, as if it were trying to tell us something." What does the author want us to think about the house?

Accepted Answer

The house is mysterious and maybe haunted.

Answer

The house is comfortable and inviting.

Answer

The house is modern and well-kept.

Answer

The house is old but strong.

Question 8

A poem describes a character walking alone on a dark, stormy night. What might this picture mean?

Accepted Answer

The character might be feeling lonely and alone.

Answer

The character is happy and carefree.

Answer

The character is confident and powerful.

Answer

The character is excited and wants to have an adventure.

Question 9

A story ends with the main character finally reaching their goal after facing lots of challenges. What might be the main idea of the story?

Accepted Answer

If you keep trying and don't give up, you can achieve your goals.

Answer

It's important to follow your heart, even if it's risky.

Answer

Having money and power makes you happy.

Answer

Love can overcome anything.

Question 10

The author uses strong words and lots of details to create a picture in your mind. Why do they do this?

Accepted Answer

To make a strong impression on you and help you understand better.

Answer

To make the story shorter and easier to read.

Answer

To confuse you and make the story hard to follow.

Question 11

Sarah rushed into the house, slamming the door behind her. Her face was red, and she threw her backpack onto the floor. What can you infer about how Sarah is feeling?

Accepted Answer

Sarah is angry or upset.

Answer

Sarah is looking for her backpack.

Answer

Sarah is excited about something.

Answer

Sarah is tired from a long day.

Question 12

The old, dusty book sat on the shelf, its pages yellowed with time. No one had touched it in years. What can you infer about the book?

Accepted Answer

The book is forgotten or neglected.

Answer

The book is brand new.

Answer

The book is very popular.

Answer

The book is about history.

Question 13

"The rain pounded on the roof all night, making it difficult to sleep," the author wrote. What can you infer about the sound of the rain?

Accepted Answer

The rain was loud and forceful.

Answer

The rain was a light drizzle.

Answer

The rain was soft and gentle.

Answer

The rain had completely stopped.

Question 14

John forgot to set his alarm clock.  When he woke up, he saw that the sun was already high in the sky.  What can you infer will likely happen next?

Accepted Answer

John will be late for school.

Answer

John will watch television.

Answer

John will go back to sleep.

Answer

John will have plenty of time to get ready.

Question 15

The instructions said, "Handle with care. Fragile contents." What can you infer about the package?

Accepted Answer

The package contains something delicate and easily broken.

Answer

The package is very heavy.

Answer

The package is empty.

Question 16

The bakery was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread. What can you infer is happening?

Accepted Answer

Someone is baking bread in the bakery.

Answer

The bakery only sells cakes.

Answer

The bakery is closed.

Answer

The smell is coming from somewhere else.

Question 17

Even though it was a chilly morning, Maya was sweating as she ran towards the bus stop. What can you infer about why Maya is sweating?

Accepted Answer

Maya is running very quickly and is likely late for the bus.

Answer

Maya enjoys running in the cold.

Answer

Maya is wearing a heavy coat.

Question 18

"This is the best day ever!" exclaimed Michael as he jumped for joy. What can you infer about how Michael feels?

Accepted Answer

Michael is extremely happy and excited.

Answer

Michael is sad and disappointed.

Answer

Michael is feeling sick.

Answer

Michael is bored and doesn't know what to do.

Question 19

The once vibrant and colorful coral reef was now pale and lifeless. What can you infer might have happened to the coral reef?

Accepted Answer

The coral reef might have been damaged by pollution or climate change.

Answer

The coral reef is thriving with life.

Answer

The coral reef is naturally pale in color.

Question 20

The teacher asked, "Does anyone have any questions?"  The room remained silent.  What can you infer from the students' silence?

Accepted Answer

The students may understand the material or are too afraid to ask questions.

Answer

The students are all asleep.

Answer

The students are not paying attention.