Inference – Discover What the Text Isn’t Saying Out Loud

Inference is like detective work for reading — picking up clues from the story to figure out what’s really happening. In 7+, 8+ and 11+ exams, it’s not only what’s in the text, but what’s between the lines!

What Is Inference?

Inference means noticing hints (like feelings, actions, settings) and using them to make smart guesses. It’s how you understand what characters think or why events happen.

Why Inference Shows Up in Tests

Exams use it to see if your child understands meaning, tone and intention—not just facts. It helps them reason through questions like “How do you know they felt disappointed?”

Real‑Life Detective Work

We infer every day: if someone sighs, we guess they’re bored. If someone leaves hungry leftovers, we know they didn’t like it. Inference helps us understand people and situations beyond just words.

Examples to Practise

Level 1 (Beginner):
“Lucy’s eyes filled with tears as she hugged her medal.”
✅ Lucy felt proud and happy.

Level 2 (Intermediate):
“He slammed the door and didn’t say a word.”
✅ He’s upset or angry.

Level 3 (Advanced):
“The empty plate, his quiet face and the half‑finished sandwich told her everything.”
✅ He might feel embarrassed or shy to admit he didn’t eat.

Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

Trap: Copying the words from the text instead of explaining meaning.
Fix: Always say what the clue means—don’t just quote!

Also Known As

Reading between the lines, drawing conclusions, implied meaning

Advanced Interpretation

11+ questions often ask, “Why do you think that?” or “What suggests this happened?” Expect subtle emotional cues or motive-based inference.

Memory Tips & Game Idea

Trick: Pretend you’re a detective—ask yourself “What would I know if I was in the story?”

“Inference lets you see the invisible — find the clues, read the mood, be the story detective! 🕵️‍♀️🐟”