Inferences

Conclusions

Generalizations
Grade 6 Reading to Perform a Task
Indicator 3.2.2 Click here to continue
Baltimore County Public Schools
Office of Instructional Technology: Inferences, Conclusions,
and Generalizations
Date Posted: July 2007
Contributed by: Kathleen Cave Modified/Posted by:
 What is an inference?
What we think Definition (No peeking until youve
written your own!)
We think an inference is:

Practice
 What is a conclusion?
What we think Definition
A conclusion is:
Words that may
signal a conclusion:
therefore, overall,
finally, in conclusion.

Add more:

Practice
 What is a generalization?
What we think Definition
A generalization is:
Words that may signal a
generalization:
generally, all, no, most,
many, always, never.

Add more:

Practice
 Draw Your Own Conclusions
Reflect on these questions
1. In your own words, write a one-
sentence definition for each:
Inferences
Conclusions
Generalizations

2. Do you think this activity was a

good way to learn about making
inferences, drawing conclusions,
and making generalizations?

3. What specifically made this

activity useful or not useful?

4. For what other purposes could you

make and use a presentation like
this?
So Now You Know!
(Follow teacher directions.)

Save this file to the folder

on the server called
Inferences. Make sure
your first initial and last
name are first in the title.
(I.e., ksmith_inferences)

Or

Print this file

 Inference
Combining clues in the text with what you
already know to understand what you
have read.
Reading between the lines

Click here to go back!

 Conclusion
A decision that is reached after thinking
about certain facts or information in the
text.
 Generalization
A broad statement or rule that applies to
many different situations or
circumstances.
 Practice Making Inferences
Read about famous African-American, Bessie
Coleman. Reflect on this statement, using details
from the text to explain whether you agree or
disagree. Statement: It was easy to become a pilot.

Read this article about Plate Tectonics. Answer

this question: What can you infer about the importance of
understanding plate tectonics in saving human and animal lives?

Try the Inferencing Challenge! Type your answers below.

What is the answer to each of these inference type samples?

Location Inference

Agent Inference

Time Inference
 Practice Drawing Conclusions
Read about the Great Depression and its affects on children.
(Note: if you accidentally hit the Contents button, chose the link that says How the
Depression Affected Children to return to the reading.)

Answer these questions:

1. Why would children write to Mrs. Roosevelt for help?
2. What did the author mean by, None of the children in this story received
personal replies from Eleanor Roosevelt. She gave her support to them in a
different way.
3. Give at least two reasons why Mrs. Roosevelt didnt always help those who
wrote to her.
Practice Making Generalizations
Look at the portraits in this collection from
Smithsonians Portrait Gallery. After examining
them, answer this question: What generalizations can
you make about the way people looked/dressed in colonial times?