Inference is a key skill in reading comprehension. It involves understanding the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences that are not explicitly stated in the text. This exercise aims to help you practice this skill.
Types of Inference
- Denotation and Connotation: Understanding the difference between the literal (denotation) and implied (connotation) meanings of words.
- Contextual Clues: Using the context of a sentence or paragraph to infer the meaning of a word or phrase.
- Logical Reasoning: Making logical connections between ideas presented in the text.
Example
Text: "The cat sat on the mat and purred softly."
Inference: The cat was content and comfortable.
Practice Exercise
Read the following paragraph and infer the meaning of the highlighted word.
Paragraph: "The teacher handed out the test papers, and the students' faces lit up with excitement. They knew that this was the final exam, and they had studied hard for it."
Word to Infer: lit up
[Answer the question here.]
Further Reading
To enhance your inference skills, we recommend checking out our Advanced Reading Comprehension Course.
Tips for Improving Inference Skills
- Read widely: Expose yourself to different types of texts to understand various writing styles.
- Ask questions: If you come across a word or phrase you don't understand, try to infer its meaning based on the context.
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become at inferring meanings.
Reading Comprehension