Directions: Please copy the notes/definitions to help you with the assignment.

Inference = use clues from the text to determine meaning (usually paired with prior knowledge) Sample: Jennifer likes bright colors. She had 200 dollars to paint her room. Jennifer read an article she really liked on how yellow makes people more cheerful each day. Inference: Jennifer will likely paint her room yellow. *This is not a guarantee, but a logical guess using the information we have above. Draw conclusion = take all information/clues from the text to decide answer --- all clues are used *The young woman looked at her long, white dress. *The music began to play. *She walked by her friends and family as she clutched her bouquet of flowers. What Event? A wedding How did you know? I know that, traditionally, women often wear white dresses and carry flowers when getting married. Also, there friends and family are usually there with her. I cannot conclude she is at a nightclub, for instance, just because there is music.

Now, please answer the questions in the boxes on your paper. Remember to take your time, read the questions carefully, and read all the answers. (1-100)

Inferences and Drawing Conclusions --- Version #3 (2019) In 1829, Daniel Webster started a page program in the United States Senate. The pages are young people who work for the senators. For example, pages run errands and deliver messages. Pages are chosen by the senators of their home states. They must be 16 years old, have good grades, and show leadership qualities. Pages live near the Capitol Building and attend school. They are excused from homework when the senators work overtime. Pages get paid, but the biggest reward is the experience of working in the Senate. 1. Fact or inference: Pages run errands for senators. 2. Fact or inference: Pages are interested in government. 3. Fact or inference: Pages go to school. 4. Fact or inference: It is an honor to be a Senate page.

5. Write which of these words (all that apply) describe a Senate page… A. BUSY B. RESPONSIBLE C. LAZY D. LEADER Have you ever heard of a walking school bus? Students in some parts of the United States travel by such buses every day. The “driver” of these busses is often a parent who leads a group to and from school on foot. If the group is large, there is usually another adult who acts as the “conductor” and walks at the rear of the group to make sure that everyone stays together. Students are picked up and dropped off at their homes. Walking busses help students get fresh air, and they also help reduce pollution and traffic congestion. 6. Fact or inference? Walking school buses provide good exercise. 7. Fact or inference? Two adults usually accompany a large group. 8. Fact or inference? Slow walkers could cause problems for a group. 9. Fact or inference? Walking buses aren’t much fun in bad weather. 10. Write down which of these words describe a walking school bus (all that apply): A. HEALTHY B. UNSAFE C. EXPENSIVE D. ENVIRONMENTAL You’ve heard about recycling, but do you know about freecycling? When you freecycle, you give away things you no longer want or need. Freecyclers can also acquire things that someone else is getting rid of. Lists of things available for freecycling and lists of things wanted by freecyclers are posted on Web sites. People who sign up and find what they want then arrange to pick up the items. Some popular items for freecyclers are bicycles, exercise equipment, furniture, and computer parts. 11. Fact or inference? Freecycling is handy if you are clearing a garage. 12. Fact or inference? You could furnish a room from freecycled things. 13. Fact or inference? Computer parts are favorite recycled items. 14. Fact or inference? It’s easiest to freecycle with people who are nearby. 15. Write down which of these words apply to freecycling (all that apply): A. USEFUL B. DISHONEST C. COSTLY

When they come to a stoplight, drivers sometimes look at people in other cars. Mr. Beren noticed that a man in the car next to him had a large green parrot on the passenger seat. The parrot seemed to be talking. When the man rolled down his window, r. Beren was surprised to hear that the bird wasn’t talking, but barking. The owner leaned out of his window and explained, “He lies with three golden retrievers, and he thinks he’s a dog.” The light changed, and Mr. Beren smiled all the way home.

16. Fact or inference? Mr. Beren was a curious person. 17. Fact or inference? Mr. Beren saw a large, green parrot in the next car. 18. Fact or inference? The parrot learned to bark by listening to the dogs at home. 19. Fact or inference? The parrot’s behavior amused Mr. Beren. 20. Write the words that describe Mr. Beren’s reaction (all that apply):

a. DELIGHTED b. DISAPPROVING c. UNINTERESTED NASCAR is the National Association for Stock Car Racing. In recent years, this organization has made some charges in its rules. For example, steel and foam cushioning has been placed around NASCAR tracks to better absorb impact from hurtling cars. Race car drivers must now wear special head restraints that limit their neck movement during sudden stops. Air filters have been added to race cars to keep carbon monoxide out of the cockpit. The tires also have straps now to keep the wheels from flying off during crashes. 21. Fact or inference? NASCAR’s new rules were made to improve safety. 22. Fact or inference? Drivers now wear head restraints. 23. Fact or inference? Race car drivers are sometimes hurt in accidents. 24. Fact or inference? Race cars give off carbon monoxide. 25. Fact or inference? NASCAR drivers are risk takers. 26. Write down which of these words apply to NASCAR (all that apply):

A. UNREGULATED B. NEWLY FOUNDED C. DANGEROUS What’s the secret of a winning cyclist? Skill, daring, and good preparation do make a difference, of course, but another is technology. Since bicycle races are often very close, riders need every advantage they and get. For instance, a racer might wear a suit designed so that it has no creases or wrinkles to affect the airflow. Special racing shoes are covered with seamless silver fabric for the same reason. Aerodynamic brakes and a bike frame made to cut through the air effectively are also part of the racer’s equipment.

27. Which is the correct conclusion? a. cyclists like to look good when racing b. air resistance affects a rider’s speed c. many riders wear the wrong kind of clothing d. some riders don’t spend enough time training

28. From the paragraph above, you CANNOT tell:

a. What materials are used in making racing bikes b. That bicycle races are often very close c. That riders must have skill to win a race d. That riders need every advantage they can get

Elephants don’t usually dress up, but some clothing designers thought that these large animals could be quite fashionable. So, the designers made some oversize outfits such as tweed suits, cloaks, and some dresses. They even included gigantic earrings and shoes. The designers had to use stepladders to get their models dressed, but the elephants were very well behaved. When all was ready, a photographer took pictures for a fashion magazine. The money the elephants made form their modeling was donated to some elephant causes.

29. From this paragraph, you can conclude that: a. elephants enjoy reading fashion magazines b. the clothing designers wanted to get attention c. many people bought the elephant clothes d. the elephants often work as fashion models

30. What is a cloak?

a. cape/jacket b. jeans c. sweater/sweatshirt d. shoes

31. From the above paragraph, what can you NOT tell?

a. How the elephants’ earrings were used b. Why the designers made elephant clothes c. What color clothes the elephants modeled d. How the elephants acted when they were dressed

32. Would this be a logical conclusion from the above paragraph? -- Elephants are difficult to dress. Yes No

Most trees have leaves growing from their branches, but a cottonwood tree along U.S. Highway 50 near Middle Gate, Nevada, has something else. Hanging from the branches of this tree are shoes. High heels, work boots, flip-flops, baby booties, sandals, running shoes, and even snorkeling flippers all dangle from this tree. Some people buy shoes just to put in the tree. Others take them as needed. To the people who live in the area, the tree is a symbol of charity and decency. Many passersby have benefited from its unusual and useful offerings.

33. From this paragraph, you can conclude that: a. Flip-flops are utmost popular footwear in the tree b. The shoes fall from the tree when autumn comes c. People living nearby are proud of the tree

d. Most of the shoes are worn and old and unusable 34. From this paragraph, you might infer that: a. people in Middle Gate Nevada go barefoot b. some people in the area need the charity provided by taking shoes from the tree c. some people in the area steal the shoes in the middle of the night d. people in Middle Gate Nevada have more money than most places in the US

35. From the paragraph, you CANNOT tell: a. where the cottonwood with shoes is located b. why some of the shoes in the tree are new c. how the tradition of the tree with shoes got started d. what kinds of shoes are found in the tree

Abraham Lincoln had a tadpole. It wasn’t the kind that had a slender tail and lives in ponds. Lincoln’s tadpole lived

in the White House. His “tadpole” was his young son, Thomas. One day when Thomas was a baby, Lincoln looked at him and chuckled, “He looks like a tadpole,” Lincoln said. From that day on, that baby was called Tad – short for tadpole. He was known by that name to the nation.

Also known to the nation were Tad’s pranks. He thought up so many tricks to play on people that he kept the White House in confusion.

One afternoon while Mrs. Lincoln was entertaining guests in the East Room, tad rushed in with his two pet goats. They were tied to a chair. Tad was holding the reins and sitting in the chair. The ladies gasped. Before they really knew what was happening, Tad and the goats ran out of the room.

36. Form the last paragraph you can conclude: a. Lincoln made any situation a learning experience b. Animals were mistreated in Lincoln’s day c. Tad often did the unexpected d. Mrs. Lincoln held many parties in the East Room.

37. From Tad’s behavior, you can conclude that: a. Lincoln treated his son cruelly. b. Tad often got himself into trouble. c. Lincoln liked to be with children. d. Tad hated his nickname.

38. From Lincoln’s attitude toward his son, you can conclude that Lincoln:

a. Did not get along well with his children b. Was trouble by affairs of state c. Had a sense of humor d. Believed in strong discipline

The waterworks of ancient Rome were so advanced that they make even some of today’s systems seem crude by comparison. An early Roman architect, Vitruvius (vuh-TROO-vee-uhs), was concerned about water quality. He demanded that his drinking water be boiled and kept in silver tanks. The water was even purified with filters usually made of wool.

The Romans had three water-supply systems. One system brought water to homes through metered pipes. The meters allowed the head of the water board to send accurate bills to every home for the water used. Another system fed the public baths. A third system supplied the beautiful pools and fountains in the city.

39. Which fact would have led Vitruvius to choose silver for the tanks that held water? a. Silver does not affect the quality of water c. Silver is a rare metal b. Making large items from silver is difficult d. Silver is attractive

40. The Romans probably concluded that wool makes a good filter because it:

a. is dense and thick c. is found everywhere b. may contain germs from the sheep d. never needs to be replaced

41. From the fact that the Romans had three separate water systems, you can conclude that:

a. They had different degrees of water quality b. They did not build efficiently c. The public baths were not charged for water d. The older systems were no longer usable

Emma is a very cautious shopper. She rarely takes risks, and she has a hard time buying new items unless she knows she won’t

waste her money. Emma sticks to her shopping list unless there’s a sale and she’s been wanting to buy the item. You won’t ever see Emma wasting her money. In fact, her family calls her the Tightwad Money Manager.

42. Which of the following would Emma be the least likely to buy: a. toothpaste b. Super Duper Water Squirt Gun c. Campbell’s baked beans d. calculator 43. What does the word “cautious” mean? a. informed b. careful c. spontaneous d. knowing

The army has been interested in homing pigeons for many years. The idea of training pigeons to carry messages to

planes in flight was worked out during World War I. In recent tiaras, pigeons have been trained for night flying and for flying over water. It was learned that they would rather fly at night than fly over water. Many pigeons have even trained to carry messages from ships to shore. Some have been trained to carry messages from shore to ships. Different pigeons fly at different altitudes. Army tests have shown that pigeons fly well even at a height of 35,000 feet. At this altitude, pilots need heated suits and oxygen masks.

44. Which fact would have led the army to conclude that pigeons were a good choice for experiments?

a. Pigeons are easily trained b. Pigeons are curious about people c. Pigeons are expensive to buy d. Pigeons are subject to many disease

45. Tests conducted by the army seem to show that pigeons

a. Eat very little during long flights b. Can reach great altitudes c. Prefer to fly in Paris d. Fly only during the daytime and only over land

46. The first two sentences imply that a. The army has trained many kinds of birds b. Pigeons fly faster than hawks and raves c. The army is no longer training pigeons d. Planes in WWI did not have radios

Josh went into the backyard to play on the swing set. His new puppy, Rascal, ran beside him. As Josh was

running toward the play area, he twisted his ankle. The accident caused him a lot of pain. Josh’s dad as always doing yard work and making sure that the grass as perfectly cut and the ground was even. Certainly, he would have noticed that hole and filled it up. Neither Josh nor his father could figure out how that hold appeared. 47. Who/what mostly likely caused the hole in the yard? a. dog b. Josh c. Rascal d. dad

48. How old is Josh (approximately)? a. two b. fifteen c. five d. thirteen

Passing motorists often think they have stumbled onto a huge art installation. Instead, they are going by a testing ground for a paint company. About 20,000 wood panels covered with paint and stain stand on a farm in New Jersey. The result is acres of every shade of color. By leaving these panels out in each season and all kinds of weather, the company learns how well and how long the paint holds up. Still, as one house painter points out, “No matter how good the paint is, you have to prepare the surface well first.”

49. From this paragraph you can conclude that:

a. yellow is the company’s best seller b. the company is testing exterior paint c. the company also tests competitors’ paint d. the paint panels are changed every month

50. From the paragraph you CANNOT tell:

a. what the company is hoping to learn b. where the testing grounds are located c. which colors hold up best outside d. what you have to do first when painting

51. You can INFER from this passage that:

a. New Jersey has a warm climate b. painters come from many miles away to paint the fences c. New Jersey’s climate is varied with all types of weather d. New Jersey is appreciative of its paint testing company

People who like to dive for buried treasure and sunken ships often meet in Key West, Florida. From there, in pairs or in groups, they scatter to their favorite diving spots. The powdery sands of the Florida Keys are surrounded by clear waters. These waters are filed with marine life of many kinds and colors. Yet the clear water can be dangerous. It is often deeper than it looks. Sometimes there is coral with razor-sharp edges. Often divers find the old ships they are after. However, boats on the bottom of the ocean are not complete ships with colorful fish swimming through them. Shipworms have eaten away the wood, and any metal is coated with coral. Sand covers many parts of the ship. The trained diver sifts through the debris to uncover gold and silver coins.

52. You can conclude that a. the waters off Florida are probably not badly polluted b. shipworm attack divers c. sharks bother divers d. the beaches of Key West are covered with shells

53. You can conclude that most sunken ships are

a. found in one area c. found intact b. fully preserved by the salt water d. hidden from the diver’s view

54. Which statement best supports the conclusion that Key West is a favorite meeting spot for treasure

hunters? a. Key West hotels are modern and comfortable b. There are many varieties of fish in the waters.

c. Many ships are known to have sunk in the area. d. Coral is easy to find in and around Key West.

55. What does the word “debris” mean?

a. coins b. ashes c. wreckage d. water

One amazing “water miser” of the desert is in the spade foot toad. Most people do not think of a toad as a desert dweller at all because they know that toads must be born in water. The mystery is solved if one knows something about deserts. After a hard spring rain, a few puddles form here and there. The female spade foot toad looks for these puddles and there she lays her eggs. If the puddles dry up by the next day, the eggs don’t hatch. But if the puddles last even two days, they are suddenly full of tiny tadpoles. And if a little water remains for just two weeks, these desert tadpoles are ready to live in the hottest parts of the desert. From then on, the toad’s only moisture comes from the insects it eats. 56. The passage as a whole implies that

a. People are interested in toads. b. People know more about frogs than toads. c. Spade foot toads need water but don’t drink it. d. Spade foot toads leave the desert in the fall.

57. What do you think the word “miser” means in the text?

a. dry b. intelligent c. conserving d. elegant

58. From the passage as a whole, you can conclude that the spade foot toad is called a “water miser” because it a. needs no water to survive c. steals water from other animals b. stores water in its home d. needs very little water to survive

59. From the explanation of condition for hatching, you can conclude that toad eggs

a. hatch as soon as water touches them b. cannot survive dry periods c. need at least two days in water to hatch d. are usually eaten by insects before they hatch

The kids were allowed to be here without their parents, but they were told to whisper three times

by different adults. The place was big, cool, and quiet. Computers were set up by the information desk so people could find exactly what they needed or use the Internet for research. The kids looked at some magazines, listened to some CDs, read a few short books, and then watched short puppet show. By using a special card, they were allowed to borrow some items. 60. From the clues above, you can infer this is what type of place? a. stadium b. a school c. a library d. a doctor’s office 61. What were the BEST clues that helped you determine what type of place this was? a. computers, special card, told to whisper b. computers, CDs, adults c. magazines, books, computers

Where in the World?

Imagine your family is planning a trip. They haven’t said where you are going, but you find this packing list on the kitchen table. Can you infer your family’s destination, based on the list? INFER…. *sunscreen *pail and shovel *towels *lip balm *first aid kit *lawn chairs *hats *sunglasses *blanket

*goggles or masks *bottled water *snacks *extra clothing *swimsuit 62. Where is your family likely going …from Olympia? A. Ocean Shores B. Hawaii C. Tacoma 63. If driving, what type of car would this family of four likely be driving? A. Smart Car B. Toyota Prius C. Toyota Highlander (SUV) 64. What season is this MOST likely to be? a. spring b. fall c. winter d. summer 65. Can you infer there will be kids on this trip? Yes No

66. Will you be driving (A) or flying (B) to your destination? Tom was very nervous to get his report card. Even though his parents knew report card were to go home that week, Tom seriously considered hiding the card under his mattress at home instead of giving it to his mom and dad. Oh, he wished he could just skip this day all together. 67. What can you NOT infer from the above situation? a. Tom didn’t study enough b. Tom’s parents would like to see passing grades on the report card c. Tom’s mom and dad unreasonable d. Tom didn’t try his hardest in school 68. What can you CONCLUDE will likely happen when Tom arrives home? a. Tom will get into trouble with his parents b. Tom will start studying more c. Tom will not come home after school d. Tom’s parents will take away all video games

Bumper Stickers What could you infer about a person with these bumper stickers on his/her 2017 Toyota Highlander?

CAT(Fluffy) AND DOG (Molly) WINDOW STICKERS

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON GRADUATE

SAINT MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOOTBALL STICKER W/NAME: JOHN 69. Would a reasonable inference be that the person values education? Yes No 70. Would it be a reasonable inference that the car owner loves ALL pets? Yes No 71. Is it a reasonable inference to guess the car’s owner owns a dog or cat? Yes No 72. Is it a reasonable inference to assume they like the University of Washington? Yes No 73. Is it reasonable to assume John is an excellent athlete? Yes No 74. List ALL the letters that are reasonable conclusions about the person with the car: a. he/she has children b. he/she lives in Olympia c. he/she roots for the University of Washington over other schools if watching a college sporting event d. he/she donates money to charities that protect animals

Most people take their autos to a car wash or get out their hose to clean off the dirt

and grime. However, one car owner found that a dirty vehicle had its advantages. She parked her car on a city street where a passing driver hit it. The offending motorist drove off without stopping to acknowledge the accident. When the woman found her dented car, she also found a helpful clue about the damage. There, in the mud and frost caked on her very dirty bumper, was an imprint of the hit-and-run driver’s license plate! The police had no trouble reading the numbers and catching up with the offender. 75. What was likely the temperature of like on the day of the accident?

a. Cold and rainy b. Sunny and 80 degrees F c. 15 degrees F and rainy d. 50 degrees F and dry

76.. Which from above was the worst answer (from #75)? 77. How do you think the woman felt when she first saw her car had been hit and damaged?

a. frustrated b. disappointed c. happy d. relieved

78. What answer was the SECOND BEST answer to #77?

Moral/Lesson Two Frogs lived together in a marsh. But one hot summer, the marsh dried up, and they left it to look for another replace to live in. Frogs like damp places if they can get them. By and by, they came to a deep well, and one of them looked down into it and said to the other, “This looks like a nice cool place. Let us jump in and settle here.” But the other, who had a wiser head on his shoulders, replied, “Not so fast, my friend. Supposing this well dried up like the marsh, how should we get out again?”

79. Which is the moral of the story? a. Frogs need damp habitats to survive b. You should think about other options and consequences before acting c. Building in damp areas would cause many frogs to die d. You should be quick to act for survival

80. Which of the above answers (from #79) was the worst answer? 81. What does the word “settle” mean? a. lay down/rest b. move in/stay c. solve argument d. eat

When a word has been shortened, it is called a clip. For example, a REF is a short form of the word REFEREE. Over time, many words in English have been clipped. Do you know the original word for a MIKE? It’s MICROPHONE. Something that is a CURIO was once a CURIOSITY. You probably enjoy visiting the ZOO, but at one time people visited a ZOOLGICAL GARDEN. Perhaps you go to and from school on a BUS. Students of the past traveled on an OMNIBUS. School words such as MATH and EXAMS are simplified versions of MATEMATICS and EXAMINATIONS.

82. From this paragraph, what conclusion can you draw? a. it’s harder to learn clipped words b. riding on an omnibus was not safe c. clips are easier to pronounce and spell

d. people don’t like to use short words

83. From the paragraph you CANNOT tell a. The number of clips in the English language. b. What the shortened word for zoological garden is. c. What the word MIKE came from.

84. How would the author of this article feel about the word telephone now being called phone or the word hello being shortened to hi?

a. he would be delighted b. he would feel it was unusual c. he would feel it was a common language development d. he would feel that the language developed improperly

85. If a person from another country heard words like “k” for “okay” and “dunno” for “don’t know” and “mayonnaise” as mayo, what can you conclude would happen?

e. the person would be interested in the words f. the person would have trouble understanding g. the person would try to copy the words h. the person would be angry

86. What does the word simplified mean?

i. different j. varied k. shortened l. understandable

You’re a member of the JMS basketball team. In a timeout, your coach draws up the play, hoping to win the game. It involves you taking the last shot with five seconds left. During the biggest game of the season, in the last thirty seconds, you miss the winning shot and then get a technical foul called on you because you screamed and swore at the referee. Of course, your team loses the game. Later, you see a group of your teammates talking. When you get nearer to the group, they immediately stop their conversation.

87. What can you conclude?

a. the team is talking about where to eat after the game b. the team is talking about the next game and how to win next time c. the team is talking about quitting d. the team is angry at the referee for calling a technical foul e. the team is mad at you for your missed shot and technical

88. Which of these things can you infer from the above situation?

a. your team will lose the next game as well b. your team would forgive you c. your coach felt you were the best shooter for the situation d. your coach thought no one would be guarding you

89. From the picture above, what can you infer…list all that are correct? a. the woman doesn’t feel well b. the woman’s head hurts c. the woman is talking to her daughter d. the woman will be sick for a week 90. From the picture above, who is the woman least likely talking to? a. her coworker c. her doctor b. her grandmother d. her bank 91. From the picture above, can you logically infer: The woman has a headache. (yes or no) 92. From the above picture, can you conclude the woman has a job she’ll miss today. (yes or no)

93. Can you conclude from the above picture: The bus driver has a great deal of experience. (yes or no) The planet Boom Boom is in another galaxy far from here. The Boom Boom world had a calm, unique, peaceful atmosphere until a freak accident occurred one day. Because Boom Boom didn’t rotate like Earth or the other planets in our galaxy, one side remained in constant darkness while the other side received constant sunlight. The Forlorn people lived on the dark side of Boom Boom while the Malas lived on the bright side. The Forlons abused their environment and did what they wanted without thinking about others. The Malas took good care of their environment and all the living things in their domain. The two groups didn’t get a long because they were so different from each other. Each group believed that their values, opinions, religions, customs, food and environment were better than the other’s. Everyone, whether Forlon or Malas, stayed on his or her own side of Boom Boom. Then, one day, a little Malas girl accidentally wandered onto the Forlon side of the world. She found a lightbulb. She had never seen a beautiful lightbulb before since her side of the world didn’t’ need light. The little girl took the lightbulb back to show the Malas.

The Forlons believed that she had stolen the lightbulb on purpose, and they attacked the Malas. They bombed Malas homes, lakes, trees, and other beautiful places. The Malas were not prepared for war. They had no way of retaliating because they had never dreamed that such a conflict would happen. CAN YOU ASSUME…. 94. It would be difficult for the Forlons to live on Earth. Yes No 95. It would be difficult for the Malas to live on Earth. Yes No 96. It is true that the Forlons were always smarter than the Malas. Yes No

97. The Forlons would make terrible neighbors. Yes No 98. The Malas were better human beings than the Forlons. Yes No 99. The Forlons were prepared. Yes No 100. The Malas were well organized. Yes No

You are done --- congratulations!