Practice - Macmillan/McGraw-Hill

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When you use clues in the text to figure out what is not stated
directly, you make inferences. Making inferences involves
making logical guesses and using knowledge that you already
have. When you make an inference, or “read between the lines,”
you fill in details that are not described directly. After you have
made inferences, you can analyze the story and its characters.
Read each passage, then make an inference about the situations
and characters.
1. Bob Lemmons saw the wild mustangs and pulled the reins to slow his
horse, Warrior. The mustangs looked up but didn’t run.
Inference: Bob slowed his horse because
Practice
Comprehension:
Make Inferences
2. Bob was the only cowboy who could get close to the wild horses. They
accepted him into the herd.
Inference: Bob’s relationship with horses was
3. The sky darkened, and Bob saw lightning fl ash around him. He quickly led
Warrior to a ravine for shelter.
Inference: Bob and Warrior sought shelter because
4. The mustang stallion fought Bob and Warrior. Bob guided Warrior’s blows
and the stallion fell, returning meekly to the herd.
Inference: The leaders of the mustang herd after the fi ght are
5. Analyze your inferences. What do they tell you about Bob’s life as a
cowboy?
At Home: Using a short newspaper article, work with a
family member or helper to make inferences about the piece.
Black Cowboy Wild Horses
Grade 5/Unit 2
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