CRCB CHAPTER7

What is Inference

Inference is the process of making assumptions and drawing conclusions about information.

Inference strategies

1. understand an author’s purpose

An author’s purpose is an author’s reason for writing.
Successful readers understand that an author has a reason for writing
To understand an author’s purpose in writing about a topic, ask your self , ”what is the author’s reason for writing?”

2. Note comparisons and implied similarities

Author’s sometimes use comparisons to illustrate their points
for example , the author of a history text might use a familiat situation, that of parent and child, to illustrate and explain an unfamiliar situation, the relation ship between Britain and the colonies before the American revolution.

3. Understand an author’s use of tone

The tone authors use to discuss their subject matter can reveal their attitudes toward it
You can assess their tone by examining their choice of words, and taking the time to picture the images they create with their figurative language.
Identifying an author’s tone, recognizing his or her purpose for writing, and noting the use of comparisons and implied similarities can help you piece together an author’s main idea, particularly if it is implied.

4. Detect an author’s bias

To detect an author’s bias, you must first picture the person with whom you are having a text book conversation.
As you read, remember the human aspect of the author; writers are people with biases or prejudices, just like you.
It is important to be able to detect bias so you can make an informed decision about whether to accept or challenge what an author says.

5. recognize information gaps

When writers leap from one idea to the next, they assume that you have a certain amount of back ground knowledge and can fill in the gaps that are left on the Page 1

Tips for recognizing information gaps

1. In order to decide whether information is missing, read the entire textbook section and consider all the information presented.

2. Note the author’s use of key words and phrases which represent the topic, or main ideas, of what you are reading.

3. Look for information gaps or leaps from one idea to the next following the use of key words. Pause the mentally fill in any information gaps.

knowing how much to infer

Recognize an author’s perspective

When you read, attend carefully to what an author is saying and try to see things from his or her perspective

Use the text to support your conclusion

Implied main ideas

Implied main ideas are the main points of paragraph, section, or chapter that are not stated explicitly



Strategies to infer

1. Read carefully

2. Identify the topic of the reading material

3. Ask yourself what important point the author makes about the topic

4. Combine the topic with the new information you have learned.