- Ontario Secondary School Literacy Making Inferences from Text Questions and Answers Flashcards

A passage describes a student who 'stayed after class every day, filled three notebooks with practice problems, and asked her teacher for extra reading.' What can you infer?

Answer: She is highly dedicated and motivated to succeed academically

All three behaviours consistently point to dedication and academic motivation.

An editorial states: 'Our city's libraries are more than just buildings full of books — they are the heartbeat of our community.' What does 'heartbeat of our community' imply?

Answer: Libraries are essential and vital to community life

The metaphor means libraries are essential, just as a heartbeat is essential to life.

A passage mentions 'food rations were reduced to half a loaf of bread per family per day.' What can you infer about conditions?

Answer: The community was experiencing severe food shortage or famine

Rationing food to such a small amount indicates extreme scarcity.

A character finds an old photograph and 'held it gently, tracing the faces with a fingertip, before placing it carefully back.' What can you infer?

Answer: The character feels nostalgic or emotionally connected to the people in the photo

Gentle, careful handling and tracing faces suggest deep emotional attachment and nostalgia.

An article notes: 'Neighbourhoods with more green spaces report lower rates of stress-related health issues.' What inference does the author want readers to draw?

Answer: Access to green spaces may contribute to better health

The correlation invites the inference that green spaces contribute positively to health.

A story ends: 'She closed the door softly behind her, and did not look back.' What can you infer?

Answer: She has made a final, deliberate decision to leave

Closing softly (deliberate) and not looking back (finality) suggest a definitive departure.