OLNA - Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Reading: Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions Flashcards

A passage states: 'Maria arrived at the station just as the last train pulled away. She slumped onto a bench and stared at the departures board.' What can be inferred about how Maria feels?

Answer: She is disappointed or frustrated

Slumping and staring blankly are body language cues that indicate disappointment or frustration at missing the train.

A text reads: 'The store shelves were completely bare and a handwritten sign read: Back in two weeks.' What conclusion can you draw?

Answer: The store is temporarily closed

A 'Back in two weeks' sign combined with empty shelves indicates a temporary closure, not a permanent one.

Which reading strategy best helps a reader make an inference?

Answer: Combining text clues with prior knowledge

Inferences are made by combining what the text states with what the reader already knows from experience.

A passage says a character 'checked his phone three times in one minute.' What inference is most reasonable?

Answer: He is anxiously expecting a message

Repeatedly checking a phone in a short span typically signals anxiety or eager anticipation of a response.

A text describes a neighborhood where 'many shops are boarded up and weeds grow through the footpaths.' What conclusion can be drawn?

Answer: The neighborhood has experienced economic decline

Boarded-up shops and unmaintained footpaths are classic signs of economic decline and neglect.

When drawing a conclusion from a text, a reader should ensure the conclusion is:

Answer: Supported by evidence from the text

Valid conclusions must be grounded in evidence from the text rather than unsupported personal opinion.