English Comprehension (Inference Qns)
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The document discusses inferential comprehension and how to answer inference questions. It explains that inference questions require selecting the answer based on contextual clues in the passage, evaluating what information to include, and combining points across the passage. To answer inference questions, one should preread the passage to understand the main points, relate answers to the question, and make notes on key details.
English Comprehension (Inference Qns)
- 1. Inferential Comprehension Good, Old-fashioned, Detective work
- 3. Detective Analysis Based on what you see what would be the most accurate statement relating to this incident? An alien space ship lifted the train and placed it off its tracks. A powerful wind blew the train off its tracks. The train was travelling too fast and probably “jumped” its tracks
- 4. Detective Analysis How did you arrive at your answer? Did you use existing knowledge? Did you use clues found in the picture? Did you “rule out” less likely answers? That is how you make an inference… Infer: to conclude by reasoning from evidence Inference is the art of making a conclusion based on evidence
- 5. Detective Analysis Inference Questions in English Comprehension follow the same principle: Look for “clues” in the passage (Its context) Evaluate the best answer based on the clues Express the answer clearly.
- 6. What are inferential Questions? Inference questions are comprehension questions that require you to: Select: the answer based on the context Evaluate: judging what to write down Combine: points across parts of the passage
- 7. How to answer Inference Questions? Preliminary : Read widely to develop understanding and vocabulary. Answering comprehension passages: Pre-read the passage – “get the gist” Read for understanding…(relate to the question) Read to get the main point Make a short note, or mental map of the points
- 8. Tommy and John were hot and sweaty as they sat outside the principal’s office. Dirt smeared both of their faces, and they could hear their teacher’s voice as she gave Mr. Jones her account of what had happened. Tommy sneered at John, and John returned the angry glare. As Miss Brown left Mr. Jones’ office, the boys hung their heads so they wouldn’t have to look her in the eye. Passage A
- 9. In pairs… From this passage, how do you know that they boys felt ashamed: The boys could not bear to face their teacher How did you arrive at the answer? What clue was there in the passage?
- 10. Searching for clues… There are 2 types of inferential questions: Clues found in passage. Clues found in the passage plus background knowledge.
- 11. Passage B “ Almost a quarter of a mile away, a huge bull elephant suddenly pricked up his ears, and swung round to face the railway track. In the distance he could hear a strange rumbling sound. He glanced at the herd grazing peacefully near him, then he lifted his trunk to smell the evening air. He was puzzled. He could find no danger in the air, yet the noise was getting nearer and nearer to him. As the leader of the herd, he was always ready to face any new threat“
- 12. In pairs… What do you think the bull elephant was prepared to do? Sniff the air with his trunk and alert the rest of the herd. He was ready to defend his herd even though he was uncertain of the danger. He was prepared to carry on as if nothing was wrong.
- 13. Passage C “ Atticus was right. One time he said that you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough…” (from: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee)
- 14. In pairs… What do you think was meant by the expression: “…you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them…” You must somehow try to fit into the shoes of strangers in order to get to know them. In order to understand a person, you would need to appreciate the circumstances of his life. You would never ever know a person completely, unless you walk around with his shoes.
- 15. Your Turn… Let’s practice the steps you have just learnt: Step One: Pre-read passage Step Two: Analyze the question Step Three: Search for the answer in the passage Step Four: Evaluate (judge) what to write down
- 16. Summary Answers to Inference Questions require your best guess based on clues found in the passage Clues are found in the language and tone of the passage. Authors use irony to convey meaning in an interesting and thoughtful way!