Inference: drawing a conclusion about something in the text using the text evidence, your own background knowledge and common sense. Prediction: using the text evidence, background knowledge an common sense to make a guess as to what will happen in the future. You make a logical guess using evidence from the text, your own knowledge, and common sense. Developing skills in making inferences and making predictions is a critical aspect of becoming a master of words and of literature. Inferences are made about what happened in the past or what is currently happening. Predictions are an attempt to guess what WILL happen in the future. (Hint: predictions usually have the words will or going to in them) Inferences are RARELY confirmed. You most likely will NOT find out if you were right or wrong. Predictions are almost ALWAYS confirmed! You will find out if you were right or wrong! Read the text carefully. Think about the types of inferences readers make/ask yourself a question to find the answer to Look for clues such as pictures, the title, vocabulary and the text. Act like you're a detective! Use background knowledge and what you already know about a topic. Make sure your inference is logical and wellreasoned. Identify whether I make an inference or prediction each time I stop.