Making inferences

Junior High 6 questions

What making inferences means

This skill helps you read beyond the exact words in a passage. You use clues, actions and details to work out what is probably true. It matters because many questions ask you to think carefully, not just copy lines from the text.

What you will practise

Spot clues in actions, objects and reactions
Work out feelings, events or causes from details
Choose the best conclusion from a short passage
Avoid answers that are not supported by the text

Before you start

You should already be able to read short passages with understanding. It also helps if you can pick out important words and simple facts from a text.

Not confident yet? Work through Identify the main idea first.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

"Maya grabbed her umbrella and wellies before leaving the house." What can you infer?

It was sunny.
It was likely raining or about to rain.
Maya was going swimming.
Maya forgot her keys.

Answer: It was likely raining or about to rain.

Working: An umbrella and wellington boots suggest wet weather.

Common mistakes to avoid

Giving an answer from guesswork instead of using the clues in the passage.
Copying a sentence exactly when the question needs a conclusion.
Missing small details, such as objects or actions, that give the real clue.
Choosing a very broad answer when the text points to something specific.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 7 to 9 syllabusBECE

In Junior High School, this kind of reading work usually comes after basic comprehension and before harder interpretation tasks. It supports BECE preparation by training you to answer questions that need careful thought from a passage.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.