Inference

Making Inferences
Name
Name Date
Date
Practice Page 1 Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble
that best answers
each question.
es
Reading Passag ension
preh
That Build Com
Inference
B Y L I N DA WA R D B E EC H
NEW YORK • TORONTO • LONDON • AUCKLAND • SYDNEY

MEXICO CITY • NEW DELHI • HONG KONG • BUENOS AIRES
Reading Passages That Build Comprehension: Inference © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
1
Scholastic Teaching Resources Reading Skills That Build Comprehension: Context Clues
Cont e nt s
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using This Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mini-Lesson:
Teaching Inference Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Student Learning Pages:

Review & Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Thinking Model & Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Pre-Assessment:
Thinking About Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Practice Pages 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Assessments 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Student Record Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
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Cover design by Maria Lilja

Interior design by Holly Grundon
Interior art by Mike Gordon
ISBN 0-439-55424-1
Copyright © 2005 by Linda Ward Beech.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 40 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05
Reading Passages That Build Comprehension: Inference © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Introduction
R eading comprehension involves numerous thinking skills. Making inferences

is one of them. A reader who is adept at making inferences makes better
sense of a text and increases his or her understanding of what is being
communicated. Most primary school students don’t know what an inference is.
However, many of them are probably already making inferences—both in their reading
and in their daily lives—without being aware of it. This book will help you help
students learn to make inferences and to use them in their reading. Use the pages that
follow to teach this skill to students and to give them practice in employing it.
Using This Book

Pages 5-7 Teacher
After introducing inferences to students (see page 4), duplicate and pass out pages 5–7. Tip
Use page 5 to help students review and practice what they have just learned about
making inferences. By explaining their thinking, students are using metacognition to For students who
analyze how they made their inferences. Pages 6–7 give students a model of the practice need extra help,
pages to come. They also provide a model of the thinking students might use in you might
choosing the best sentence for making an inference from the paragraph. suggest that they
keep pages 5–7
with them to use
Page 8 as examples when
Use this page as a pre-assessment to find out how students think when they make an they complete the
inference. Although answers are given on page 48, you’ll want to acknowledge any responses practice pages.
that make sense. For example, in the first item, most students will say that Sami didn’t want
to be alone because he had watched a scary movie; however, some students might say that
Sami watched a sad movie. When going over these pages with students, discuss why some
inferences are better than others and why some are incorrect or do not make sense.
Pages 9-43
These pages offer practice in making inferences. The first paragraph on each page is a
nonfiction passage similar to one students might encounter in a social studies or science
text. The second paragraph is a fictionalized passage similar to one they might find in a
reading book. After reading each paragraph, students should fill in the bubble in front of
the correct answer for each question.
Pages 44-46
After they have completed the practice pages, use these pages to assess the way students
think when they make inferences. Explain that students should use the illustration as
well as the text and their own knowledge to answer the questions.
Page 47
You may wish to keep a record of students’ progress as they complete the practice
pages. Sample comments that will help you guide students toward improving their
skills might include:
• reads carelessly • doesn’t apply own knowledge
• misunderstands text • lacks background to make correct inference
Reading Passages That Build Comprehension: Inference © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources 3
Mini-Lesson:
Teaching Inference Skills
1. Introduce the concept: Write these words on the chalkboard:
Miranda is sick today.
Ask students which of the following sentences best goes with the statement.
A. Miranda will stay home from school today.
Teacher B. Miranda’s uncle is a dentist.

Tip
Students can 2. Model thinking: After students have correctly identified A as the sentence
learn a lot if that best goes with the statement, explore why they chose this answer by modeling
you review the how they might think aloud.
finished practice
pages with them
on a regular
basis. Encourage
students to Very often when someone
explain their is sick, that person stays home from
thinking for each school or work. I know this because
correct answer. I have stayed home when I was ill.
Ask them to
point out the
words that help
them identify an
inference. Discuss
why the other
sentences are not If you are sick, you
correct choices. would most likely go to a doctor,
not a dentist. So the fact that
Miranda’s uncle is a dentist is
probably not related to her illness.
3. Define the skill: Explain to students that a text doesn’t always include
every fact or detail about something. Often the reader has to add more information.
When a reader adds information that he or she already knows to what is stated, the
reader is making an inference.
Information in the Text What the Reader Knows

Miranda is sick. People stay home when they are sick.
4. Practice the skill: Use Practice Pages 9–43 to give students practice in
making inferences.
4 Reading Passages That Build Comprehension: Inference © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Name Date
ce
Review & Practi
What Is an Inference?
You read a story. You get some information. But often a story does not
tell every detail about a subject. What does a reader do then? A good
reader thinks about the information. A reader might think:
How does w
hat I know fi
I know t
What else do with what I
have read?
ubject?
about this s
By filling in missing information, a reader makes an inference.

An inference is a kind of guess.
Read the paragraph below, and then answer the questions.
Time for Breakfast Make an inference.

3. What time of day is it?
ad called Connie. There was
D no answer. Then Mom went
to the door of Connie’s room. She
___________________________________
4. How do you know?

called too. “Breakfast is ready,” said
___________________________________
Mom. There was still no answer.
What facts are given in this story? 5. What is Connie probably doing?
1. Dad called Connie but
___________________________________
there was no answer.
___________________________________ 6. Why do you think so?
2. Breakfast was ready but
___________________________________
___________________________________ When you make an inference, use the facts
that are given. Use what you know. Put the
___________________________________. information together. Ask yourself whether
your inference makes sense.
Name Date
Thinking Model
& Practice
Making Inferences
Study these two pages. They show how a student made inferences.
Read the paragraph. Then fill in the

bubble that best answers the question.
Cave Explorers
o you know what a potholer is? A potholer is someone
D who explores caves. To be safe from falling rocks, a potholer
wears a hard hat. Down into the cave he or she goes. Sometimes a
potholer has to crawl. Sometimes he or she must climb. It is often
wet in a cave.
Which sentence is most likely true?

A. A potholer never C. A potholer’s work is
walks in a cave. very safe.
It says there are falling rocks. That’s

It doesn’t say that a potholer
not so safe. I don’t think it is safe if you
never walks. I think that people
have to crawl and climb either.
sometimes walk in caves.
B. A potholer gets
dirty on the job. I am going to fill in B. This
sentence makes the most sense.
I think you can guess that being a
You could get dirty crawling potholer could be a dirty job.
and climbing. I usually do. Also,
it says the cave is wet.
Thinking Model Making Inferences
& Practice
Read the paragraph. Then fill in the

bubble that best answers the question.
Sally’s Snack
ally dashed from the elevator. She gave her grandmother a
S quick hug at the door. She dropped her book bag on the table.
Then Sally headed for the kitchen. Out came the bread. Out came the
jam. In no time Sally made a snack.
Which sentence is most likely true?
A. Sally does not have C. Sally is hungry after school.

any homework.
It doesn’t say anything

Sally rushed in the door with
about homework. But kids
a book bag. She most likely came from
usually have some in their book
school. She only gave her grandmother
bags. Also I think Sally just came
a quick hug. Then she went to the kitchen
home from school.
and got a snack. Most kids do the
same thing.
B. Sally likes peanut

butter on bread.
I am going to fill in C. This
sentence makes the best sense.
Sally is in a hurry to eat something.
It doesn’t mention peanut butter The book bag makes me think she
although that often goes with jam. has come from school.
Making Inferences
t
Name Date
Pre-Assessmen
Thinking About Information

Read each set of sentences. Then answer the questions.
1. Sami watched a movie. He 3. The men slid down a pole.

did not want to be alone after In no time they drove away
it was over. in their truck.
Why does Sami feel this way? Who are the men?
Why do you think so? Why do you think so?
2. Max read the newspaper. He 4. Betty wore a cast on one leg.

cheered when he found last She used crutches when she
night’s score. walked.
What part of the paper is Max reading? What happened to Betty?
Why do you think so? Why do you think so?
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 1
Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

that best answers each question.
The Factory
he factory was humming. On one
T floor a metal press stamped a
large square of blue nylon. Fifty white
1. Which sentence is most
likely true?
A. The workers in this
factory make nylon.
stars appeared on the cloth. A worker
stitched the stars more firmly in place. B. This paragraph is about
making music.
Then the blue square was attached to
C. This paragraph is about
13 stripes of red and white nylon.
a flag factory.
Finally, the worker folded the whole
thing into a box.
Max Makes a Call 2. Which sentence is most

ax picked up the telephone and likely true?
M began to dial. Frowning, he put
down the receiver. He opened a
A. Max was making a long
distance call.
B. Max forgot the number

drawer in the desk and
he was calling.
pulled out a large book.
C. Max forgot what he
Max turned the pages. wanted to say.
Soon he found what he
was looking for. Then
Max picked up the phone
and dialed once more.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 2

Meet Stegosaurus
tegosaurus was
S an interesting-
looking dinosaur. It
1. Which sentence is
most likely true?
A. Stegosaurus was
a plant-eating
had large plates dinosaur.
shaped like
B. Stegosaurus had
triangles along its teeth shaped like
back. However, Stegosaurus had a very small triangles.
head. Stegosaurus also had weak jaws. It had C. Stegosaurus used

its mouth for
no teeth in the front of its jaws. It could not
protection.
tear through tough skin. Stegosaurus ate
things it found on the ground.
What the Wens Did

n Saturday, the Wens parked in the
O huge lot. They walked to the big
building. Inside, they passed many stores.
most likely true?
A. The Wens are doing
They stopped to buy shoes for Carl. Saturday chores.
They looked in the windows of a watch B. The Wens are
shop. Mrs. Wen bought some perfume in shopping at a mall.
another store. Mr. Wen tried on a belt. By C. The Wens can’t

lunchtime, everyone was ready to wait in afford costly things.
line at the snack shop.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 3

Owl Features
id you know
D that owls have
ears? In fact, owls
most likely true?
A. Owls can quietly
have large ears that hunt for food at
night.
are good for listening
B. Owls are
to night sounds. Owls
thoughtful about
also have big eyes that other animals.
see well in the dark. Owls
C. Owls are careless
have big wings too. These large wings don’t about making
noise.
make loud flapping noises when an owl flies
after its dinner.
Making a Decision 2. Which sentence is most

rs. Elliot looked at a lot of samples. likely true?
M She brought many of them home.
She held them up in different parts of the
A. Mrs. Elliot has a large
group of friends.
living room. She asked all the members of B. The Elliot family has a
big living room.
the family to name their favorite. She
C. Mrs. Elliot is having
called her friends and asked their opinions
her living room
as well. Finally, she made a decision. Mrs. painted.
Elliot called the painter the next day.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 4

Elvis
lvis works in a hospital in San
E Francisco. Elvis’s job is to carry
medicine from place to place. But Elvis is
likely true?
A. Elvis needs to lose
no ordinary worker. For one thing, Elvis weight.
weighs 600 pounds. Elvis also has wheels B. Elvis is a hospital

robot.
instead of feet. When told where to go,
Elvis chugs down hallways, gets on C. Elvis is a friendly
worker.
elevators, and never bumps into anything.
What a Mess [ART: Christine with

he jar fell off the shelf and crashed
T to the floor. Red sauce sprayed everywhere.
Pieces of glass flew around too. Christine looked
broken jar of
spaghetti sauce on
floor]
at the mess with wide eyes.

Would she have to pay for the 2. Which sentence is most likely true?
broken jar? She paused and A. Christine was injured by the
broken jar.
wondered what to do. Then
Christine left her cart and B. Christine broke the jar by accident.
went looking for the C. Someone threw a jar at Christine.

manager.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 5

All About Camels

o you know what a ship of the desert is?
D It is a camel. These animals are good for
carrying people and supplies across hot, dry
deserts. Camels can go many days without
getting thirsty. Camels can also go for a long
time without food. They
live off the fat in their
1. Which sentence is most likely true?
humps when there is
A. Camels eat sand most of the time.
no food.
B. Camels don’t like to eat or drink.
C. The desert has little food or water.
Kim at Work
he sun was warm on her back, so
T Kim took off her sweatshirt. She
picked up the shovel and turned over
likely true?
the soil. She spread some fertilizer in A. Kim is admiring her

garden.
the freshly dug earth. Then Kim made
B. It is a day in spring.
narrow rows and sprinkled in seeds.
How long would it take for these C. It is the end of summer.
flowers to grow, she wondered.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 6

Meet Eric Carle

erhaps you have read The Very
P Hungry Caterpillar. This book
is by Eric Carle. He is also the author
likely true?
A. Eric Carle writes books
of The Very Quiet Cricket. Another about nature.
book that Carle wrote is A House for
B. Eric Carle has some
Hermit Crab. Before he writes a book, unusual pets.
Carle learns a lot about his subject. C. Eric Carle only writes
What do you think he learned about about animals.
when he wrote The Tiny Seed?
Neil and His Book

eil rubbed his eyes and yawned.
N He was thinking about the
television program he’d seen
last night. As his eyes closed, 2. Which sentence is most likely
Neil’s head drooped to his true?
A. Neil is reading an exciting book.
chest. Then a noise made him
jump. Startled, Neil tried to B. Neil stayed up too late last night.
read the page in his book again. C. Neil watched a noisy TV program.
If only he could take a nap.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 7

Trouble in the Pacific

loud roar came from an
A island in the Pacific Ocean.
Fiery rock and smoke shot into the
sky. People 3,000 miles away
heard the noise. Dust hung 1. Which sentence is most likely true?
in the air. Great waves A. A dragon on the island was angry.
rolled through the sea. They
B. There was a blizzard on the island.
slammed into villages along
C. A volcano erupted on the island.
the coasts of other islands.
The damage was huge.
In the Display Case 2. Which sentence is

he little boy stood on tiptoe to see most likely true?
T inside the display case. He pointed to
one of the containers. As the clerk opened
A. The boy is trying
to make the clerk
angry.
the case, the little boy shook his head. He
B. The boy is
looked some more. He pointed to another choosing an ice
container. But, no, that wasn’t the one cream flavor.
either. Finally, the little boy nodded and C. The store does not
have many choices.
pointed to still another container. The
smiling clerk began scooping.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 8

Be Careful About
Customs
ou have to be careful about
Y customs. Not everyone follows
the same ones. For example, in 1. Which sentence is most
likely true?
Japan people remove their shoes
A. People in Japan go
before entering a temple. They don’t barefoot most of the time.
let their socks touch the floor.
B. Foreigners might not
Instead, they step directly onto a remove shoes at a temple.
mat called a tatami. Many visitors
C. People in Japan think
don’t know this custom. So shoes and socks are silly.
sometimes they seem rude.
Leaving Home
r. Patel was ready to leave for the 2. Which sentence is most
M day. He kissed his wife and

children goodbye. He gave the dog a pat
likely true?
A. Mr. Patel wants to say
goodbye again.
on the head. Then he picked up his B. Mr. Patel forgot to pat
briefcase and opened the door. Stepping the cat.
outside, Mr. Patel looked up. He held out C. Mr. Patel went back to
his hand. Quickly, he turned around and get an umbrella.
went back into the house.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 9

On the River
ll year long, powerful tugboats push
A barges up and down the Hudson
River. The barges are loaded with oil,
gas, and supplies for factories. In the 1. Which sentence is most
likely true?
winter of 2003, the tugboats and
A. The winter of 2003 had
barges often got stuck. They had to be low temperatures.
rescued by icebreakers. First a breaker B. Tugboats and barges got
would free the frozen boats. Then it stuck in the mud.
would cut a path through the frozen C. Not much happens on
water. Then the river traffic could the river in winter.
move again.
Busy Nan
an opened the drawer and took
N out five forks. She counted out
knives and spoons too. Then she got
likely true?
A. Nan is going to have a
tea party.
water glasses and plates down from B. Nan works in a large

the cabinet. She folded some napkins restaurant.
and found her little brother’s bib. C. Nan is setting the table
for supper.
Nan even remembered to get out the
salt and pepper.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 10

The Arrival
cargo plane lands at the airport
A in the middle of the night. By
5:30 A.M. the valuable cargo is on a
truck. An hour after that, a painting is
carefully unpacked in a
large building. Specially 1. Which sentence is most likely true?
trained experts check to be A. The painting is to be in an airport
exhibit.
sure that the artwork is in
B. The painting was sent for an art show.
good condition. Later that
day the painting will be one C. The painting was not packed very well.
of many hanging in a gallery.
Karl Gets Up
arl sat and gazed at the view. He
K could see some of his friends in the
distance. Lazily, he moved his feet back 2. Which sentence is
most likely true?
and forth in the sand. It felt fine and
A. Karl is at the beach.
warm. Karl was so comfortable, it was
B. It is a windy day.
almost too much trouble to get up. But that
was why he was here. Suddenly, he stood C. Karl is in the desert.
and yelled “Here I come!” Then he ran

toward the water.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 11

Numbers
he earliest people didn’t have numbers. They
T probably knew that there were more of some
things than others. But people wanted to keep
track of what they had. How many sheep did they
have? How many spears?
At first people made
marks on a stick or wall
A. People invented numbers to keep records.
to count things. Later
they invented symbols B. People had too many things to count.
for different amounts. C. People had no reason to count things.

We call these numbers.
Dale's Day
ale sat at his desk and sharpened a
D pencil. He stared at the blank pad.
No ideas. Sighing, Dale played with his
most likely true?
A. Jack will do the
eraser. He looked out the window. He assignment for Dale.
gazed around his room. Maybe a snack B. Dale can’t get
would help. Dale ran down to the kitchen started writing.
for some cookies. Then he called his friend C. Dale finds it easy to
Jack to talk about the assignment. By write papers.
six o’clock, Dale was getting worried.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 12

Damage in Pierce City

s the reporters pulled into Pierce
A City, they couldn’t believe all the
damage they saw. It seemed to follow a
path right through the town. Trees along
the road were uprooted. A
roof was missing from one
house. Two cars were upside
A. The town was struck by lightning.
down in someone’s yard.
And in a trailer park, B. The town was really a movie set.
several homes had been C. The town was hit by a bad tornado.
blown over.
Mr. Bruno’s Ride

r. Bruno slowed down as he came to 2. Which sentence is
M the toll. Traffic was heavy, and there

were lines of cars in front of him. Slowly, he
most likely true?
A. Mr. Bruno is driving
over a bridge.
inched forward. At last he was through the B. Mr. Bruno is going
entrance. He drove carefully, staying in his through a tunnel.
lane and away from the walls. After a mile C. Mr. Bruno is at an
and a half, he was out in the open again. He amusement park.
was glad to see the sky overhead.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 13

Animal Colors
nimals have different forms of protection.
A Often they look like their surroundings.
This is called camouflage. Polar bears live in
cold regions. Their white fur blends in with the
snow. Lions are a tan color
much like the grasslands 1. Which sentence is most likely
true?
where they live. Some
A. All animals are difficult to see.
caterpillars are green during
the summer months. In the B. All animals change colors.
fall they turn brown like the C. Color is a form of camouflage.

branches they live on.
What Jake Did

ake held his breath. His head
J moved back and forth as he
followed the acrobat. His neck hurt from
most likely true?
A. Jack is not having a
good time.
looking up into the top of the tent. For a B. Jake is at a circus
long moment, his hand paused over the show.
bag of popcorn he held. Finally, the C. The popcorn isn’t

acrobat landed safely. Jake cheered in very tasty.
relief and began eating again.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 14

Road Signs
rivers see many of the same
D signs each time they are on the
road. One of the most common traffic
signs is “Stop.” Another one is “Slow.”
These two signs alone
prevent lots of accidents.
Some other helpful signs are
A. Drivers do not obey traffic signs.
“Enter” and “Exit.” The
road signs “Yield” and B. Road signs are hard to read.
“Caution” also provide C. Many road signs are for safety.

good advice.
Words on a Wall
he students in Mr. Habib’s class
T were making a word wall. Alex
pinned up the word rocket. Erin got
likely true?
A. Mr. Habib’s class is
making wallpaper.
out a dictionary to check on shuttle. Ed B. The students are not
and Macy wrote a sentence using orbit. very good spellers.
Nelson wanted to add probe to the wall, C. Mr. Habib’s students are
and June planned to use gravity. studying space.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 15

Weaving
n many parts of the world,
I women make rugs and blankets
on hand looms. They use
yarn spun from cotton or
wool. The yarn is dyed with
A. All rugs and blankets are woven
natural plant colors. The by women.
designs that the women
B. Weaving is a traditional art in
weave are age-old. Often many places.
the designs and colors have
C. The weaving industry never uses
special meaning to a region new designs.
or group of people.
Calling Dana
ana and her parents sat in the first
D row. Dana was a little nervous, but
her parents had big smiles on their faces.
most likely true?
A. Dana is going to
Dana clapped politely as the principal become an actress.
called out names. She watched different B. Dana has won an
students go to the stage. Then her name was award at school.
called! Excitedly, Dana went up on the C. Dana is in trouble
stage. She could hear her father cheering as with the principal.
the principal held out his hand.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 16

Paper Money
ave you ever looked closely at a five
H dollar bill? Tiny red and blue fibers are
all over the paper. If you hold the bill up to the
light, you will see a picture.
It is called a watermark.
Each bill also has a number
A. No one ever tries to copy United
that sparkles and changes States paper money.
color. Another number is so
B. The U.S. does not want anyone to
small, you need a magnifying copy its money.
glass to read it. All these
C. You need a magnifying glass to use
things make U.S. paper U.S. money.
money hard to copy.
On the Steps 2. Which sentence is

im was sitting on the steps to his house. most likely true?
J He was reading a book. He was also
waiting for his friends to come over. Suddenly,
A. Jim is sitting
near an anthill.
something tickled Jim’s arm. He scratched his B. Jim’s friends

brought ants.
arm. A few minutes later it happened again.
C. Jim was reading
This time Jim saw that an ant was crawling up
about ants.
his arm. There were ants on the steps, too.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 17

A Greek Word
n the Greek language rhinos
I means “nose.” Can you see this
Greek word in the English word
rhinoceros? This animal certainly
has a big nose! Other English
words have rhinos in them,
too. A rhinovirus might 1. Which sentence is most likely true?
affect your nose. This virus A. A nose doctor is called a rhinologist.
is what people get when
B. A rhinoceros gets a lot of colds.
they have a cold.
C. The Greek language is full of viruses.
Roger
oger heard a noise. It was a car
R coming down the street. Even
though he was taking a nap, Roger just
likely true?
A. Roger is a neighborhood
had to see who it was. He padded over dog.
to the fence. It wasn’t a car. It was a B. Roger is a friendly boy.

truck! Maybe it was the workman he
C. Roger is bored with
had met yesterday. In a flash, Roger workmen.
scampered out of his yard.
Making Inferences
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Practice Page 18

In Coober Pedy
oober Pedy is a small mining town. It is in the southern
C part of Australia. The temperature there is usually 100
degrees in the summer. Some people in Coober Pedy have made
their homes in old mines. They escape the
heat by living in underground tunnels. 1. Which sentence is
most likely true?
A. Coober Pedy has no
regular houses.
B. It is cooler to live
underground.
C. Miners prefer to live

underground.
Getting Ready 2. Which sentence is most

rian smeared white cream all likely true?
B over his face. He put on a round

fake nose. He used red cream to make
A. Brian is going to be a
cat for Halloween.
B. Brian is protecting
big spots on his cheeks. He painted on himself from the sun.
a big red smile, too. He used black to
C. Brian will perform as a
make up his eyes. Finally Brian put on circus clown.
a funny orange wig.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 19

In the Night
ost people do their sleeping
M during the day. But many wild
creatures do not. Mice do much of their
roaming at night. It’s harder for foxes to 1. Which sentence is most
likely true?
hunt them in the dark. When otters live
A. Otters like to live near
near people, they are more active at people.
night. A dragonfly sheds its skin at night.
B. It is safer for some
It takes a few hours for the new adult’s animals at night.
wings to grow strong. By morning the C. Wild animals have more
dragonfly is ready to fly away. fun at night.
What Happened?
ne night something furry slipped
O from the hollow tree. A masked
animal crept across the sidewalk. It
most likely true?
A. A raccoon got into
stopped by a container. With little trouble, the garbage.
the animal got the lid off. Crash! The lid B. Mr. Tucker had a bad
clattered to the ground. Mr. Tucker woke dream.
up and looked out the window. There was C. An animal robbed

trash on the sidewalk. He could see a Mr. Tucker.
striped tail disappear around the corner.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
0
Weather Vanes
ld weather vanes sit on the
O rooftops of some buildings. The
vanes show the direction of the wind.
The first vanes were also signs. Their
designs told what people did. 1. Which sentence is most likely
true?
Farmers had vanes shaped like
A. George Washington made the
roosters or horses. A ship captain first weather vane.
often had a whale design. George
B. A butcher might have had a
Washington had a special weather pig-shaped weather vane.
vane. It was a dove with an olive
C. Long ago, it was much windier
branch—two symbols of peace. than it is now.
Bags on a Belt
he Hongs followed the signs. Soon they
T found the baggage section. After a short
wait, the large belt began to move. The Hongs
most likely true?
A. The Hongs lost
their luggage.
watched as different bags went by. Other
B. The Hongs are
passengers grabbed their bags and left. At
starting a trip.
last, Maggie saw her family’s luggage. She
C. The Hongs are at
helped her parents take their bags off the belt. an airport.
Then they all headed for the exit.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
1
Samplers of the Past

bout 300 years ago sewing was a
A school subject for girls. In those
days, women and girls sewed all their
own clothes. So girls learned to make 1. Which sentence is most
likely true?
different kinds of stitches. They tried
A. Long-ago samplers were
out their stitches on a piece of cloth made for fun.
called a sampler. As the girls learned a
B. Long-ago samplers were
stitch, they used it in a design. Some made for practice.
samplers had flowers or animals. Others C. Long-ago samplers were
showed scenes from daily life. Still made to wear.
others had verses from the Bible.
Happy Birthday
t was Norm’s birthday. He sat at the table, 2. Which sentence is
I surrounded by his family. In front of him
was a pile of gifts. Eagerly, he reached for the
most likely true?
A. Norm liked the
shirt from his
first package. It was a shirt from his aunt. aunt best of all.
Norm admired the gift and thanked her. Then B. Norm really
he opened the other gifts. Each time, he smiled wanted the
computer game.
and said “thank you.” The last box was a
C. Norm’s family
computer game. Norm yelled in delight, got
was not very
up, and gave his grandmother a big hug. generous.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
2
A Book Story
homas Rockwell wrote a book
T called How to Eat Fried Worms.
Did he ever eat a worm? Rockwell
thought he probably should. He likely true?
decided that if the book got published, A. Rockwell probably didn’t
he would eat a worm. Somehow he want to eat a worm.
never found the time. Rockwell did B. Rockwell hoped the doctor
talk to a doctor about worms though. would buy his book.
Are they safe to eat? The doctor said C. Rockwell was sure that
readers wouldn’t eat
worms are good for people.
worms.
What's the Time?

faint light came from the East. Slowly,
A it spread over the town. One by one,
the street lamps went out. Traffic noises
began to pick up. Runners made their way 2. Which sentence is
most likely true?
along paths by the river. The first workers
A. It is early morning.
hurried to cars and trains. Students
appeared to climb onto waiting buses. B. It is early evening.
People put on glasses to protect their eyes C. It is late morning.

from the rising sun.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
3
Looking at Laws
overnments make laws when a community
G needs them. Sometimes laws made in the
past seem silly today. For
example, it is not lawful to
tickle a girl in Norton,
A. All communities have the same laws.
Virginia. If you go to Maine,
B. Silly laws help people behave well.
be sure to tie your
shoelaces. It is against the C. The reasons for laws change over time.
law to have them undone.
And don’t sneeze on trains
in West Virginia.You will be breaking the law.
A Question for José

osé gazed out the window. He could
J hear the second graders on the
playground. It sounded like they were having
most likely true?
A. José is on the
playground.
fun. José wished he could be with them. But
someone was saying his name. Quickly, José B. José is studying
at home.
looked at the front of the room. His face got
C. José is in a
red, and he shook his head. No, he hadn’t
classroom.
heard the question.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
4
Frog Features
id you know that frogs can fly? In
D Asia some frogs have webbed feet
that act like parachutes. South
America has poison frogs. One of these likely true?
can kill 20,000 mice! Frogs in Europe A. Frogs are alike no
have lived to be almost 40 years old. matter where they live.
Frogs in Africa can be as big as B. Frogs can be found on

many continents.
footballs. And in North America some
frogs freeze during the winter. They C. Frogs can fly from
continent to continent.
thaw out again in the spring!
Ali’s List
li made a list of the things he
A needed. He started with his water
bottle. Then he added gloves. Next came
most likely true?
A. Ali is going to a
football game.
shorts, shoes, and a helmet.“Don’t forget B. Ali is going on a
your fanny pack,” said his sister. So Ali hiking trip.
wrote that on the list. He also added lunch. C. Ali is going on a

His mother had promised to make him a biking trip.
sandwich for the trip.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
5
Long Ago News

ong ago there was no TV. No
L one had a radio. There were
no computers. And there were very
few newspapers. How did people
get news? One way was from a 1. Which sentence is most likely
true?
town crier. This person walked
A. There were few ways to get
through the streets and called out news long ago.
the news. If something special B. Most news in the past
happened, the town crier beat a appeared in print.
drum or rang a bell. People would C. In the past, people weren’t
run to hear the news. interested in news.
Helping Lena 2. Which sentence is

ena woke up from a long nap. She tried most likely true?
L to sit up, but it was too much trouble.

Her mother came into the room. She had a
A. Lena is a patient
in a hospital.
B. Lena is sick in bed

tray with some juice on it. She patted the
at home.
pillows and smoothed the sheets. Then she
C. Lena had a bad
helped Lena sit up.“Try to drink this,” said nightmare.
Lena’s mom.“It’s good for you.”
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
6
The First Sailors

he first sailors were amazed at some
T of the creatures they saw. They didn’t
know what these strange animals were.
They thought that whales
were monsters. They thought
that lizards were dragons. As
A. The first sailors had seen whales and
a result, mapmakers began to lizards in books.
put monsters and dragons on
B. People were afraid of things they
the edges of maps. They didn’t know about.
believed that these fearful
C. Early mapmakers could identify all
creatures came from places places on the globe.
no one had yet explored.
John Decides 2. Which sentence is

ohn turned the pages slowly. He most likely true?
J looked at all the pictures. Sometimes

he read the text below them. John noted the
A. John is reading
a library book.
B. John is looking at
prices of things too. Finally, he made up his
a photo album.
mind. He went to the phone and dialed.
C. John is ordering
Then John explained what he wanted. from a catalog.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
7
Meet Princess
rincess sat in the sun. Lazily,
P she licked her beautiful striped
fur. Then she rose and padded over to
her scratching post. It was the trunk
of a big tree. After sharpening her 1. Which sentence is most
likely true?
claws, Princess played with her ball.
A. Princess is a household
It was the size of a pumpkin. Then cat.
Princess batted at her favorite toy. It B. Princess is a zoo tiger.
was an old tire hanging from the
C. Princess lives in the
tree. When she was thirsty, Princess wild.
drank from her pool.
Mmmm . . .
rs. Plum took a small bag from the
M cupboard. She placed it in the
microwave oven. While the oven was on,
most likely true?
A. Mrs. Plum is
Mrs. Plum got a bowl. A few minutes later, baking cookies.
Mrs. Plum opened the oven and took out the B. Mrs. Plum is
bag. It was much bigger now. Mrs. Plum making popcorn.
emptied the contents of the bag into the C. Mrs. Plum is
bowl. Then she added some salt. Mmmm. It heating leftovers.
smelled good!
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
8
In Minnesota
innesota is in the northern part of the U.S.
M This state has more than 10,000 lakes. Most
of them freeze by December. People sometimes
drive on the lakes then. During the winter the city
of St. Paul has a big carnival.
One event is an ice-carving
contest. In Minneapolis,
A. Minnesota has very cold winters.
people use skywalks to go
from building to building. B. Minnesota has no sidewalks or roads.
That way they don’t have to C. People carve ice in Minnesota’s lakes.
go outside in winter.
Ziggy and Dad

s they entered the park, Ziggy
A could see the horses. She asked her
dad to hurry. She wanted to ride on her
most likely true?
A. Ziggy is visiting a
favorite horse. After her dad bought horse farm.
tickets, Ziggy ran to her horse and took B. Ziggy is on a merry-
the reins. Her dad helped her up. Then he go-round.
climbed on the horse next to Ziggy. Soon C. Ziggy is taking riding
the music began. Ziggy smiled and lessons.
enjoyed her ride.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 2
9
Your Hair
haircut doesn’t hurt. But if
A someone pulls your hair, then
you feel pain. That’s because your hair is
likely true?
A. The strands of your
hair have no nerves.
being pulled from its roots. The roots are
B. Pain makes your hair
the only parts of your hair that are alive
grow quickly.
and growing. The roots of your hair are
C. Getting a haircut is
under your skin. The roots are surrounded bad for the roots.
by nerves. Nerves sense pain.
About Anna
nna took off her shoes. She stood straight with
A her back against the wall. Anna’s mother put the
ruler on Anna’s head and made a little
mark on the wall. It was 2. Which sentence is most
two inches above another likely true?
A. Anna’s mother is
mark. Next to the new
measuring Anna’s head.
mark, Anna’s mother
B. Anna’s mother is mad
wrote the date.“Wow!”
at Anna.
she said.“No wonder
C. Anna has grown two
your jeans are too short.” inches taller.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 3
0
What Tears Do
ometimes tears are a sign of
S sadness. But tears have other
jobs as well. Tears come from
glands at the upper, outer part of
the eye. Tears collect dust and
germs that get into eyes. Tears then 1. Which sentence is most likely
true?
move through tiny tubes called
A. Tears make your eyes dirty.
ducts. They take the dust and germs
with them. Sometimes tears may B. Dust and germs make you sad.
drip down your cheeks even if C. Tears keep your eyes clean.
you’re not crying.
Dave in School
ave listened as his classmates answered
D the questions. He couldn’t follow what
they were saying. It was hard because he
most likely true?
A. Dave is a good
student.
hadn’t done the homework. Then the teacher
B. Dave doesn’t
asked another question. No one raised a
know the answer.
hand. Dave slid down in his seat. He stared
C. Dave wants to be
hard at his book. He covered part of his face called on.
with his hands.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 3
1
Home in a Castle
ong ago, most kings lived in castles. Castles
L were often built on steep hills. Their walls
were high and very thick. Some castles had
secret tunnels. People used the tunnels to
escape if enemies came. Many
castles also had moats around
them. These were ditches filled
likely true?
with water. To enter a castle,
A. It was easy to get inside a castle.
visitors had to go over a bridge
B. Castles were built for protection.
that was let down on chains.
They then went through an C. Everyone was welcome at a castle.
entrance with a spiked gate.
You’ve Got Mail!

uki got an e-mail from
S her friend. The message
made Suki happy. She went to
A. The friend sent greetings to Suki’s
mother.
talk to her mother. Then she
checked the calendar. When B. The friend asked about some
homework.
she finished her homework,
C. Suki made a date to see her friend.
Suki wrote back to her friend.
The answer was “Yes!”
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 3
2
The Giant Cactus

giant cactus grows in the desert. By
A the time the cactus is 150 years old,
it is full of holes. In one hole lives a bat.
[ART: saguaro cactus with holes ]
Another hole is home to some insects.

Birds lay eggs and raise
families in the cactus, 1. Which sentence is most likely true?
too. Even some pack rats A. The animals are harmful to the cactus.
find a place to live in the
B. The cactus provides a safe home for animals.
cactus. When one animal
C. Only flying animals live in the cactus.
leaves the cactus, other
ones move in.
The Drink Machine

t was hot, and Mr. Santos was thirsty. He
I went down to the basement of the building.
He found the drink machine. But Mr. Santos
most likely true?
A. Mr. Santos is
losing his
didn’t have the right change. He went upstairs temper.
and got it. Then he went back to the machine.
B. Mr. Santos is no
In went his quarters. Nothing happened. Mr. longer thirsty.
Santos pressed the coin return. Nothing. He C. Mr. Santos will
banged on the machine. Nothing. He even fix the machine.
kicked the machine. Still nothing.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 3
3
New Cars
t was the year 1903. Cars were still
I a pretty new product. They didn’t
look the way they do today. For
likely true?
A. Mary Anderson invented
example, when it rained, drivers special car umbrellas.
couldn’t see through the windshield.
B. Mary Anderson invented
Instead, they had to lean their heads out convertible cars.
the window. That gave Mary Anderson C. Mary Anderson invented
an idea. Her invention solved the windshield wipers.
problem and kept drivers dry.
Kate’s Meal
ate was having dinner in a restaurant. She
K decided to order something different. When her
meal came, Kate took a big bite. It was good. But then
Kate’s eyes opened wide.
She began to cough. Her
face turned red. Tears rolled
A. Kate ate something hot and spicy.
down her cheeks. Quickly,
Kate grabbed a glass of B. Kate is suddenly very sad.
water and drank it down. C. Kate ordered a very sweet dessert.

She asked for another.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 3
4
State Nicknames
ach state has a nickname. These
E names reflect something special about
the state. For example, New Hampshire is
most likely true?
A. Most days in Florida
called the Granite State. That’s because are very cloudy.
granite, a kind of rock, comes from New
B. Florida is known for
Hampshire. The nickname for Washington is its good weather.
the Evergreen State. Washington has lots of
C. Florida has no special
evergreen trees. Florida is often called the trees or rocks.
Sunshine State.
Papers From Mrs. Pence

rs. Pence stood at the front of the
M room. Everyone watched her. Then
she began to call out names. One by one,
most likely true?
the students stepped forward and got a A. Tina will have to
come in after school.
paper. Some students smiled in relief.
Others looked upset. Tina waited. When B. Mrs. Pence is
assigning homework.
her name was called, she held her breath.
C. Tina did well on the
Then she looked at her paper. Thank
recent test.
goodness she had studied!
Making Inferences
Name Date
Practice Page 3
5
Pets and Presidents

any U.S. presidents have
M had pets. Thomas Jefferson
had a mockingbird. Zachary
Taylor had a horse. Calvin 1. Which sentence is most likely true?
Coolidge had a dog and a A. U.S. presidents like animals better
cat. Gerald Ford had a dog than people.
named Liberty. Franklin B. The White House is no place for

D. Roosevelt’s dog was Fala. animals.
William Howard Taft had a C. Pets are welcome at the White House.
cow that lived in the garage!
Cookies in the Kitchen

hen Mai and Tad came home, they
W smelled something delicious. Sure
enough, there was a plate of homemade
most likely true?
A. Dad didn’t like
cookies on the kitchen table. Mai helped the cookies.
herself to a cookie. Then she took another. B. Mai and Tad ate
all the cookies.
Tad had some too. The two of them sat in the
kitchen talking. The smell of cookies brought C. Dad made the
cookies for the
Dad into the kitchen. He looked very kids.
disappointed when he saw the empty plate.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Assessment 1

Flowing Rivers
ave you ever noticed that a ball always rolls downhill? So does
H water. That is because of gravity. So rivers can flow north or
south. They can flow east or west. But they always flow from high
places to lower places. The map shows the
Nile River in Egypt. This river flows north. 1. In what part of Egypt is
the land the highest?
It goes into the Mediterranean Sea.
2. Why does the Nile River

flow north?
3. Why did the students fall down?

A Rope Pull
he teams got in place. Then
T the coach gave the signal. The
students began to pull on the rope. 4. Why might the students be all dirty?
First one team tugged harder. Then
the other team did. Suddenly,
everyone was on the ground.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Assessment 2

How Clothes Help

ow do clothes keep you warm?
H Clothes keep you from losing
body heat. That’s because clothes
trap air. The heat from your body
cannot get through the air. Snow 1. Why do people wear layers of
clothes in the winter?
works in the same way. It traps lots
of air. People lost in winter storms
sometimes dig holes in the snow. 2. Why do people wear less clothing
in warm temperatures?
This helps them keep warm.
The Shopping List 3. How did Brownie get into the car?
s. Burrows was going to
M the supermarket. After she
got in the car, she remembered her
4. Why did Brownie get in?
list. It was in the kitchen. She went
back into the house to get the list.
When she returned, her dog
Brownie was in the back seat.
Making Inferences
Name Date
Assessment 3

Shark Teeth
harks are the hunters of
S the ocean. But sharks are
always losing their teeth. Their
teeth do not have strong roots.
So the teeth break and fall out 1. Why do sharks need teeth?
easily. Sharks can lose thousands
of teeth in a lifetime. Luckily, 2. Where might divers find lots of
sharks have as many as 20 rows of shark teeth?
teeth. When one falls out, another

moves up from the row behind.
On the Rail Trail

oug and Anna met on the rail
D trail. Anna began to brag about
her new skateboard. Doug got annoyed.
1. Why does Anna suggest a race?
“A bike is better than a skateboard,” he 2. Who will win the race? Why?
said. Anna put her hands on her hips.

“Let’s have a race,” she said.“We’ll see
which one is better.”
Making Inferences
Student
Name Date
Record Sheet
Date Practice Number Comments

Page Correct
# ____
Answers
Page 8: Page 17: Page 32: 3. One team pulled back
1. The movie was scary 1. A 1. B hard enough to bring
(or sad). He did not 2. C 2. C the other team forward
want to be alone and they all fell down.
because he was afraid Page 18: Page 33:
(or felt upset). 1. B 1. A 4. They fell onto the
2. A 2. B ground and got soil on
2. He is reading the them.
sports section. He Page 19: Page 34:
might have cheered at 1. A 1. B Page 45:
the score because his 2. B 2. C Possible answers:
team had won. 1. They wear layers of
Page 20: Page 35:
clothes to trap layers
3. The men are 1. C 1. B
of air.
firefighters. A 2. B 2. B
firehouse has a 2. In warm weather you
Page 21: Page 36:
pole that firefighters want to get rid of
1. C 1. A
slide down and they some body heat so you
2. B 2. B
hurry to their trucks don’t want to trap air.
to fight fires. Page 22: Page 37:
3. Ms. Burrows left the
1. C 1. A
4. She broke her leg. car door open.
2. C 2. C
When you break a 4. The dog wanted to
bone, you have a cast Page 23: Page 38:
go along.
and use crutches. 1. B 1. C
2. B 2. B Page 46:
Page 9: Possible answers:
1. C Page 24: Page 39:
1. They need them for
2. B 1. B 1. B
the food they hunt.
2. A 2. C
Page 10: 2. There are most likely
1. A Page 25: Page 40:
lots of shark teeth on
2. B 1. A 1. B
the ocean floor.
2. A 2. A
Page 11: 3. She has been
challenged by Doug.
2. C 1. B 1. C
2. C 2. A 4. Doug will most likely
Page 12: win the race. A bike
1. B Page 27: Page 42:
has larger wheels and
2. B 1. B 1. B
is faster than a
2. A 2. C
Page 13: skateboard.
1. C Page 28: Page 43:
2. B 1. B 1. C
2. C 2. B
Page 14:
2. B 1. B Possible answers:
2. B 1. The land is highest in
Page 15: the southern part of
1. C Page 30:
Egypt.
2. B 1. A
2. A 2. The Nile flows north
Page 16: because it flows from
1. B Page 31:
higher land to lower
2. C 1. C
land.
2. C

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Making Inferences

NEW YORK • TORONTO • LONDON • AUCKLAND • SYDNEY

Using This Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Student Learning Pages:

Practice Pages 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Student Record Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Cover design by Maria Lilja

R eading comprehension involves numerous thinking skills. Making inferences

Using This Book

Miranda is sick today.

Teacher B. Miranda’s uncle is a dentist.

Information in the Text What the Reader Knows

By filling in missing information, a reader makes an inference.

Time for Breakfast Make an inference.

4. How do you know?

Read the paragraph. Then fill in the

Which sentence is most likely true?

It says there are falling rocks. That’s

Read the paragraph. Then fill in the

Which sentence is most likely true?

A. Sally does not have C. Sally is hungry after school.

It doesn’t say anything

B. Sally likes peanut

Thinking About Information

1. Sami watched a movie. He 3. The men slid down a pole.

Why do you think so? Why do you think so?

2. Max read the newspaper. He 4. Betty wore a cast on one leg.

What part of the paper is Max reading? What happened to Betty?

Why do you think so? Why do you think so?

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

Max Makes a Call 2. Which sentence is most

B. Max forgot the number

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

head. Stegosaurus also had weak jaws. It had C. Stegosaurus used

What the Wens Did

another store. Mr. Wen tried on a belt. By C. The Wens can’t

line at the snack shop.

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

Making a Decision 2. Which sentence is most

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

weighs 600 pounds. Elvis also has wheels B. Elvis is a hospital

What a Mess [ART: Christine with

at the mess with wide eyes.

went looking for the C. Someone threw a jar at Christine.

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

All About Camels

C. The desert has little food or water.

the soil. She spread some fertilizer in A. Kim is admiring her

flowers to grow, she wondered.

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

Meet Eric Carle

Neil and His Book

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

Trouble in the Pacific

In the Display Case 2. Which sentence is

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

M day. He kissed his wife and

went back into the house.

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

water glasses and plates down from B. Nan works in a large

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

and yelled “Here I come!” Then he ran

Read each paragraph. Then fill in the bubble

for different amounts. C. People had no reason to count things.