Using Inference Sometimes someone will try to tell you something without coming right out and saying it. He will imply it. When you understand what is implied, you infer. Sometimes you can infer the truth even when the speaker or writer isn’t trying to be helpful. That’s called “reading between the lines.” See if you can infer an implied or hidden message in each of the following selections. David almost wished that he hadn’t listened to the radio. He went to the closet and grabbed his umbrella. He would feel silly carrying it to the bus stop on such a sunny morning. 1. Which probably happened? a. David realized that he had an unnatural fear of falling radio parts. b. David had promised himself to do something silly that morning. c. David had heard a weather forecast that predicted rain. d. David planned to trade his umbrella for a bus ride. “Jerry, as your boss, I must say it’s been very interesting working with you,” Miss Valdez said. “However, it seems that our company’s needs and your performance style are not well matched. Therefore, it makes me very sad to have to ask you to resign your position effective today.” 2. What was Miss Valdez telling Jerry? a. She would feel really bad if she decided to quit. b. She was being fired. c. She was getting a raise in pay. d. She really enjoyed having her in the office. No, I don’t want you to spend a lot of money on my birthday present. Just having you for a husband is the only gift I need. In fact, I’ll just drive my old rusty bucket of bolts down to the shopping centre and buy myself a little present. And if the poor old car doesn't break down, I’ll be back soon. 3. What is the message? a. I don’t want a gift. b. Buy me a new car. c. The shopping centre is fun. d. I’ll carry a bucket for you. Bill and Jessica were almost finished taking turns choosing the players for their teams. It was Jessica’s turn to choose, and only Kurt was left. Jessica said, “Kurt.” 4. We can infer that ________ a. Kurt is not a very good player. b. Jessica was pleased to have Kurt on her team. c. Kurt was the best player on either team. d. Jessica was inconsiderate of Kurt’s feelings.
Word Meanings From Context Use the context of the paragraphs to determine the meanings of the highlighted words. We walked slowly down the trail with great trepidation. No one who had gone this way had ever been heard from again. Had they simply found a better place to settle on this dark planet? We doubted that. 1. Which word is a synonym of “trepidation”? a. movement b. worry c. enjoyment d. laughter Only an hour or so had passed before a tremendous roar shook the ground. At that very moment, a strange grey creature materialized before our eyes. It resembled a lizard in shape. It was about ten feet high at the shoulders and at least fifty feet long. 2. What did the creature do? a. It whipped its tail back and forth. b. It stamped its feet. c. It showed its sharp teeth. d. It appeared. Kathy was looking for a strong but light material to use for making her water jugs. Unfortunately, she chose noodelite. It proved to too porous to hold jelly. 3. A porous material _____. a. is good for holding things that you pour b. protects you in pouring rain c. allows liquids to flow through it d. is necessary for making bowling balls We have rather lofty expectations for you, son. You will attend college. You will become rich and famous. You will be elected president of the United States before you turn forty. 4. Which word is a synonym of “lofty”? a. high b. shaky c. small d. lowly
Paragraphs Paragraphs are groups of sentences having a common topic or main idea. Every sentence in a paragraph should support the theme of that paragraph. When a writer wants to use a sentence that doesn’t meet that requirement, it’s time to start another paragraph. Each paragraph contains one sentence that does not belong in it. Underline that sentence. The first one has been done for you. 1. Another unusual thing about Travis is his eating philosophy. He believes that there is no such thing as a breakfast food, lunch food, or supper food. He’ll eat tuna sandwiches for breakfast if the mood strikes. He often eats pancakes for lunch. He frequently goes to the movies in his pyjamas before supper. When it’s finally time to go to bed, Travis will have a big bowl of Cereal. 2. Francine was certainly not as popular with her teachers as she was with her peers. She knew that she had earned her back seat in their hearts. She laughed out loud when Mr. Ami made his most serious statements in social studies class. She wrote mean little poems about Miss Baker, the soccer coach, and taped them on hallway walls. Her favourite subject was math. Every day, in every class, Francine would ask, “When can we go home?’ 3. Albert is a collector. He has an extensive stamp collection. His toe nail clipping collection is the topic of much discussion. The vacuum bag collection that decorates his bedroom walls is one of a kind. Albert loves to vacuum the house for his parents. He has a rock collection, a comic book collection, and even a used staples collection. It’s no wonder that Albert's friends call him “Mr. Collector.” 4. Please write back soon. I want to know how you’re doing in school. How are your parents? Do you have many new friends? I have a new bike. Tell me if your new house is as nice as your old one. Are you still sad about moving? And of course, I want to know if you miss me just a little bit.