You can try various strategies to make inferences and draw conclusions about what you read. Here are three:
People make inferences and draw conclusions about things they see, hear, and read in everyday life. For example, if you are at the store and see an elderly person staring at an item that is high on a shelf, you may infer that this person wants that item. As a result, you may offer to get it for him or her. Learning how to make inferences and draw conclusions can help you become a good observer of the world around you and become a better communicator.
Read the following passagesA short portion of a writing taken from a larger source, such as a book, article, speech, or poem. and see examples of how to identify subtext in readings by making inferences and drawing conclusions.
1. After making a speech about the importance of studying, the instructor started passing the graded exams back to the class. Pausing by Jack's desk, he said, "Jack, I'd like to speak with you for a moment after class." Hearing this, Jack put his head down on his desk.
What are the significant details from the reading?
- Instructor talking about studying
- Instructor passing back graded exams
- Instructor asking to speak with Jack after class
- Jack putting his head down on his desk
What are some of your own experiences related to the reading?
When an instructor wants to speak with you after class, it's usually bad.
What conclusion could be made?
Jack probably did poorly on his exam.
2. Paula was excited to get to campus and sign up for classes. After last semester, she knew she could do anything she put her mind to.
What are the significant details from the reading?
- Paula was signing up for classes
- She was excited
- She was a student last semester
What are some of your own experiences related to the reading?
Students become more confident and excited when they have had good experiences with their instructors and classes.
What conclusion could be made?
Paula probably had at least one very good instructor, worked hard last term, and earned good grades. Her success has given her enough confidence that she now believes that she can finish her college career successfully.
Identify subtext in the readings by making inferences and drawing conclusions based on the following passages.
- Jan sighed as she pulled out her credit card again to pay for the groceries that were already bagged. She didn't want to use her credit card, but she needed groceries for the week. She decided then and there to attend a meeting on how to manage her money.
What are the significant details from the reading?
- Jan sighed, showing that she is upset.
- She has reluctantly used a credit card to pay for her groceries on more than one occasion.
- She plans on attending a money management meeting.
What are some of your own experiences related to the reading?
I try not to use my credit card very much, but sometimes I don't think I can avoid it because I need to pay for school, rent, and groceries. I'm scared, though, that I will build up so much debt that I will not be able to pay it off.
What conclusion could be made?
Jan seems to be spending more than she makes, so she is relying on her credit card. However, she wants to gain control over her spending, so she wants help.
- The guest speaker gave several examples of how to live within a budget. She also spoke about a variety of aid and grant programs available to students. Jan wrote down all of these programs in her notes.
What are the significant details from the reading?
- There was a guest speaker who spoke about how to live within a budget.
- Jan wrote down the names of several aid and grant programs mentioned by the speaker.
What are some of your own experiences related to the reading?
I have been helped by programs like financial aid to pay for school and it made it easier for me to pay my bills.
What conclusion could be made?
Jan attended a meeting about budgeting and was learning how to manage her money better by seeking out assistance.
- Jan felt proud of herself for attending the money management seminar – so much so that she decided to treat herself by going to the shopping mall.
What are the significant details from the reading?
- When the meeting finished, Jan went to the mall.
What are some of your own experiences related to the reading?
Jan reminds me of my aunt. Every year she gets a big tax refund and instead of paying down debt or putting any money away in savings, she goes out and buys an expensive item like a big-screen TV or a DVD system for her minivan.
What conclusion could be made?
Jan didn't learn much from the seminar. Even though she looked for help, she will still need to pay attention to what she buys and try not to spend so much money.
How does making connections between what you read and your personal experiences help you make inferences and draw conclusions?
When I read an essay, an article, or even a textbook, I try to make connections to my life. I like to see how the information relates to me and if I've had experiences similar to it. If I have, I find that I can relate to the information and that helps me learn and remember it.
How can knowing about inferences help you in your writing?
Knowing about inferences helps me think about what my audience already knows. If I can decide what they may already know, I may not need to provide as much detail and that will help my writing sound less repetitive and obvious to the audience.