How to Make an Inference in 5 Easy Steps

We all have to take those standardized tests where youre presented with a large passage of text and must work your way through the multiple-choice problems that follow. Most of the time, youll get questions asking you to find the main idea, determine the authors purpose, understand vocabulary in context, figure out the authors tone, and, the topic at hand, make inferences. For many people, understanding how to make an inference is the toughest part of the reading passage, because an inference in real life requires a bit of guessing. On a multiple-choice test, however, making an inference comes down to honing a few reading skills like these listed below. Read them, then practice your new skills with the inference practice problems listed below. What exactly is an inference? Step 1: Identify an Inference Question First, youll need to determine whether or not youre actually being asked to make an inference on a reading test. The most obvious questions will have the words suggest, imply or infer right in the tag like these: According to the passage, we can reasonably infer...Based on the passage, it could be suggested that...Which of the following statements is best supported by the passage?The passage suggests that this primary problem...The author seems to imply that†¦ Some questions, however, will not come right out and ask you to infer. Youll have to actually infer that you need to make an inference about the passage. Sneaky, huh? Here are a few that require inferencing skills, but dont use those words exactly. With which of the following statements would the author most likely agree?Which of the following sentences would the author most likely use to add additional support to paragraph three? Step 2: Trust the Passage Now that youre certain you have an inference question on your hands, and you know exactly what an inference is, youll need to let go of your prejudices and prior knowledge and use the passage to prove that the inference you select is the correct one. Inferences on a multiple-choice exam are different from those in real life. Out in the real world, if you make an educated guess, your inference could still be incorrect. But on a multiple-choice exam, your inference will be correct because youll use the details in the passage to prove it. You have to trust that the passage offers you the truth in the setting of the test and that one of the answer choices provided is correct without stepping too far outside the realm of the passage. Step 3: Hunt for Clues Your third step is to start hunting for clues – supporting details, vocabulary, characters actions, descriptions, dialogue, and more – to prove one of the inferences listed below the question. Take this question and text, for example: Reading Passage: The widow Elsa was as complete a contrast to her third bridegroom, in everything but age, as can be conceived. Compelled to relinquish her first marriage after her husband died in the war, she married a man twice her years to whom she became an exemplary wife despite their having nothing in common, and by whose death she was left in possession of a splendid fortune, though she gave it away to the church. Next, a southern gentleman, considerably younger than herself, succeeded to her hand, and carried her to Charleston, where, after many uncomfortable years, she found herself again a widow. It would have been remarkable if any feeling had survived through such a life as Elsas; it could not but be crushed and killed by the early disappointment of her first grooms demise, the icy duty of her second marriage, and the unkindness of her third husband, which had inevitably driven her to connect the idea of his death with that of her comfort. Based on the information in the passage, it could be suggested that the narrator believes Elsas prior marriages to be:A. uncomfortable, but well-suited to ElsaB. satisfactory and dull to ElsaC. cold and damaging to ElsaD. awful, but worth it to Elsa To find clues that point to the correct answer, look for descriptions that would support those first adjectives in the answer choices. Here are some of the descriptions of her marriages in the passage: †¦she became an exemplary wife despite their having nothing in common†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦after many uncomfortable years, she found herself again a widow.†¦the icy duty of her second marriage and the unkindness of her third husband which had inevitably driven her to connect the idea of his death with that of her comfort. Step 4: Narrow Down the Choices The last step to making a correct inference on a multiple-choice test is to narrow down the answer choices. Using the clues from the passage, we can infer that nothing much was satisfactory to Elsa about her marriages, which gets rid of Choice B. Choice A is also incorrect because although the marriages certainly seem uncomfortable based on the clues, they were not well-suited to her as she had nothing in common with her second husband and wanted her third husband to die. Choice D is also incorrect because nothing is stated or implied in the passage to prove that Elsa believed her marriages to be worth it in some way; in fact, we can infer that it wasnt worth it to her at all because she gave away the money from her second husband. So, we have to believe that Choice C is the best – the marriages were cold and damaging. The passage states explicitly that her marriage was an icy duty and her third husband was unkind. We also know that they were damaging because her feelings had been crushed and killed by her marriages. Step 5: Practice To get really good at making inferences, youll need to practice making your own inferences first, so start with these free inference practice worksheets.

Essay about The Characters of Pride and Prejudice - 951 Words

In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen creates a unique environment which allows the relationship between her characters to evolve. Elizabeth Bennet faces challenges that impact her decisive demeanor. Likewise, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth’s love interest, confronts many obstacles which also contradict his character. Darcy is from one of the wealthiest aristocratic families in England. The character of Darcy is introduced to the reader in chapter 3, as a friend of Charles Bingley. At the beginning of the novel Darcys character is in many respects repulsive. His theatrical arrogance, even insolent rudeness at beginning suits his theatrically dazzling wealth and good looks, ‘his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien’ (Ch 3, Pg†¦show more content†¦In chapter 32, Darcy unexpectedly visits Elizabeth at Rosings. Initially, both of them are at loss for words, but soon engage themselves in a conversation lacking spontaneity. Darcy’s frequent visits to the parsonage and his awkward reticent manner suggest that he is in love with Elizabeth, who is as blind to his affection as she is to his goodness. Even when Charlotte suggests Darcy’s love, ’My dear Eliza he must be in love with you, or he would never have called on us in this familiar way,’ (C h 32, Pg 163), Elizabeth dismisses the notion. Elizabeth struggles with her feelings as she is in denial. Elizabeth initially feels prejudice against Darcy because of his abominable pride. She gradually overcomes her preconceptions, and comes to realise that he is not what she imagined him to be. By the end of the novel, in chapter 58; when Elizabeth and Darcy set off on a walk, she acknowledges his involvement regarding the affair of Wickham and Lydia. She says; ‘I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (Ch 58, Pg 324). Darcy is surprised that she knows everything as he does not want her to feel uncomfortable or obligated to him for anything. However, Darcy does this as much out of guilt over not revealing Wickham’s true character as to gain Elizabeths affection, he says; ‘Your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe, I thought only of you’. (Ch 58, Pg 325). Soon Darcy declares his love forShow MoreRelatedPride And Prejudice Character Analysis1598 Words   |  7 Pagesanother era but also within generation themselves, as proves the character of Mr. Darcy. The evolution of Mr. Darcy’s character in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice symbolizes the disregarding of some of the values and behaviors regulating England’s Regency society such as class, reputation and the excess pride in such values. Mr. Darcy’s prejudice causes him to quickly judge others based solely on their social status and not their character, as society has taught him, to then realize that the two ofRead MorePride And Prejudice : A Comedy Of Characters1387 Words   |  6 PagesPride and Prejudice: A Comedy of Characters In Jane Austen s novel Pride and Prejudice, a subtle layer of comedy exists that is especially noticeable when very different characters are juxtaposed. This method is used to deepen characterization and make clear the intended satire. 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The story takes place in early 19th century England. Important settings are Longbourn: the Bennets’ estate, Netherfield Park: the estate of Mr. Bingley; Rosings Park: the estate of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Pemberley: Mr. Darcy’s estate. Major characters in this comically toned romance include Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Wi ckham. Elizabeth is the protagonistRead MoreCharacter Analysis of Pride and Prejudice Essay763 Words   |  4 PagesPride and Prejudice The characters and general setting in Jane Austens; Pride and Prejudice, portray life in the rural society of the day. Austen is very clear in setting up the social classes of the characters and immediately portrays why the book is titled Pride and Prejudice. Though the more specific example of Pride and Prejudice is that of Elizabeth and Darcy, and how they first view each other. There initial feelings towards one another set the plot of the novel. It is this constantRead More Pride and Prejudice Essay: The Character of Elizabeth1865 Words   |  8 PagesThe Character of Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice       In her novel, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen portrays Elizabeth Bennet as strong and intelligent, yet bewitching in a completely feminine way. Elizabeths possession of these attributes: strength of character and moral integrity, great intelligence, and an attractive personality, make her an admirable person. Yet Elizabeth has faults, which makes her more human. Austens portrayal of Elizabeth is realistic and masterful, often juxtaposingRead MorePride And Prejudice Character Analysis Essay1801 Words   |  8 Pagesis also impulsive, stubborn, and outspoken. The protagonist of Jane Austen’s novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ remains to be one of the most famous female characters in English Literature. Often noted in Instagram captions or on a homemade canvas bag, a quote such as â€Å"Looking for my Mr. Darcy† or something along those lines can be found all over the internet. From the time of her creation to the present-day her character has stood as a sourc e of inspiration to her readers. â€Å"Lizzy† is a heroine with whomRead More An Analysis of Characters in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice1662 Words   |  7 PagesAn Analysis of Characters in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice An author will often give his or her work a title that reflects the overall theme or meaning of the piece-this is certainly the case in Jane Austens novel Pride and Prejudice. A title may set the mood or describe a situation which otherwise might require several paragraphs to develop. Pride and Prejudice is a combination of humor, irony, and twists of events. Austen entitles her work Pride and Prejudice to emphasize subtly theRead MoreThe Strong Characters In Jane Austens Pride And Prejudice1092 Words   |  5 Pagesnovel, Pride and Prejudice, follows Elizabeth Bennet and her transition into the world of marriage and suitors. Elizabeth, after reading Mr. Darcy’s letter, has a pivotal shift in her character that carries on throughout the rest of the novel. Although this shift from making judgments to being shaped by them might make her appear weak, the letter is the point in which she begins to mature into a rational young woman. Some scholars pose the argument that Elizabeth becomes a weaker character by tryingRead MoreMisinterpretation Of Characters In Jane Austens Pride And Prejudice1317 Words   |  6 Pages The book, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen can be summed up as a story of misinterpretation of character. The story takes place in 1800’s England and is centered around Elizabeth Bennet a middle class women with four other sisters, a father and an overbearing mother. The story follows Elizabeth and her sisters path to being married. Elizabeth and her sisters first meet Mr. Bingley a wealthy upper class man and his seemingly arrogant and prideful best friend Mr. Darcy (13). Both Elizabeth and Mr

The Glass Menagerie Role Of Laura English Literature Essay Free Essays

The function that Laura played in The Glass Menagerie can non be overlooked as it contributed to the development of the overall subject of the book. The drama is based on the battles that worlds face in accepting world as this is the major subject of the book and Laura Wingfield is one character in the drama that had jobs accepting the challenges that life presented her with. Laura was described as a physically handicapped miss and she had troubles in accepting the world of her status ( Williams ) . We will write a custom essay sample on The Glass Menagerie Role Of Laura English Literature Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Laura wanted a life that was better and would hold loved it, if she was non in the sort of state of affairs she found herself in. Though, it could be argued that, Laura did non truly play a outstanding function in the drama, but the fact remains that, the secret plan and the subjects of the drama are centered on her. Some of the symbols that lend acceptance to the importance of Laura to the overall subject of the drama are the glass unicorn, bluish roses, fire flight and the rubric of the narrative as these symbols represents the character of Laura. Laura could non come to footings with world and this is the ground that she was described as populating a slightly illusional life style in The Glass Menagerie. Due to the challenges and jobs she was faced with, Laura preferred to remain in her comfort zone and she lived in an illusional universe. Laura ‘s life was full of semblances as she lived in what could be described as a universe of glass animate beings. It is this trouble of accepting world that really bonds the Wingfield household together, as each one of them, Tom, Amanda and Laura at one point in clip, had jobs get bying with the worlds of life and its many challenges ( Williams 16-25 ) . Laura could be described as a unit of ammunition nog that suits a unit of ammunition hole as the illusional universe of glass animate beings that she lived is merely a clear representation of the existent universe that was described in the drama. This could be seen in the fact that, the people in the drama tend to deduce more satisfaction in phantasies instead than existent events. Laura created an semblance that is a representation of her inability to accept world as she fantasized about a glass ball ( of glass animate beings ) and a group of people waltzing in the Paradise Dance Hall ( Williams ) . The Glass Menagerie clearly showed that, semblances and worlds inability to accept world has become the norm in our society and Laura absolutely fits into this type of illusional universe. Harmonizing to Williams Laura ‘s fond regard to the glass universe she created is seen when â€Å" there is a ting of shattering glass. Laura cries out as if wounded. † ( qtd in Bloom 38 ) The troubles that Laura faced in accepting world could be traced to her glass menagerie, which was a aggregation of wild animate beings and this is really the chief symbol in The Glass Menagerie. This menagerie represents the illusional universe of Laura in its entirety. It is a universe that is notional and anachronic, but based on the phantasies of Laura. Laura devotes more of her clip to this illusional creative activity of hers and she is merely an illustration of people that, instead than confront the worlds of life, they prefer populating a life of phantasies that does non truly be in the existent universe. The aggregation of animate beings that Laura created was borne out of the defeat and her trouble in accepting the world that, she did non finish high school, she was crippled, and that she could non acquire the love that she desired. It could so be argued that, Laura created her ain universe of glass animate beings to get away from a universe that she felt did non in any man ner favour her. As a consequence of the crippling of one leg that made it shorter than the other, Williams explains that, â€Å" Steming from this, Laura ‘s separation additions till she is like a piece of her ain glass aggregation excessively finely delicate to travel from the shelf. † ( qtd. In Bloom 11 ) . A symbol that appears in the inventive universe of Laura is the glass unicorn and the fact that she used the unicorn merely shows the inexistent universe that Laura lives in. Unicorns are nonextant animals and the visual aspect of a unicorn in Laura ‘s glass menagerie shows that, merely like the unicorn that is nonextant and different from other Equus caballuss, Laura lived an unusual life and was different from other people. Williams says of Laura that, â€Å" the lovely breakability of glass which is her image. † ( qtd. in Bloom 26 ) . Due to the fact that, Laura saw herself different from other people, she lived a alone life and it could besides be said that, she forced herself into being unable to accommodate to the universe and people around her. In position of this fact, it could so be argued that, Laura ‘s trouble in accepting world made her to populate like an castaway. The blue rose is another symbol in the drama that shows Laura ‘s unusual and unrealistic nature. Blue Roses was the name given to Laura by Jim and it symbolizes Laura ‘s unusual but attractive quality. It is pertinent to observe that, bluish roses do non be in the existent universe and the fact that, Jim relates Laura with Blue Roses lets readers know that, Jim besides realized the unrealistic nature of Laura. Another incident that is worthy of note in the book was when Laura slipped on the fire flight in the 4th scene and this shows that, Laura was unable to get away from the hard state of affairs in her life. The drama lacked pragmatism in its entirety as this fact was established by the narrator-character, Tom. The fact that Laura was non realistic in her ideas underlines the importance of her character to the subject of the drama. The abstractionism in the drama could be seen in the assorted sorts of symbols that were used in the drama and Laura was one character that lived a life of semblances How to cite The Glass Menagerie Role Of Laura English Literature Essay, Essay examples