Inferences
Conclusions
Generalizations
Grade 6 Reading to Perform a Task
Indicator 3.2.2
Baltimore County Public Schools
Office of Instructional Technology: Inferences, Conclusions,
and Generalizations
Date Posted: July 2007
Contributed by: Kathleen Cave Modified/Posted by:
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What is an inference?
• What we think…
We think an inference is:
• Definition (No peeking until you’ve
written your own!)
• Practice
What is a conclusion?
• What we think…
A conclusion is:
• Definition
• Words that may
signal a conclusion:
therefore, overall,
finally, in conclusion.
• Add more:
• Practice
What is a generalization?
• What we think…
A generalization is:
• Definition
• 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 onesentence 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
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.
2.
3.
Why would children write to Mrs. Roosevelt for help?
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.”
Give at least two reasons why Mrs. Roosevelt didn’t always help those who
wrote to her.
Practice Making Generalizations
• Look at the portraits in this collection from
Smithsonian’s Portrait Gallery. After examining
them, answer this question: What generalizations can
you make about the way people looked/dressed in colonial times?