Prove Inferences with Evidence

Prove Inferences with Evidence

What students learn

Students learn that every inference should be backed up by evidence. Begin with Commercial Clues: Notice the Reactions so students can practice spotting the clue before explaining the conclusion.

Why it matters

A strong inference answer does more than say what might be happening. It explains which clues support that idea. Commercial Clues: Infer the Relationships shows how readers use actions, expressions, and choices to figure out connections.

Learn the idea

Readers should ask, "What do I see? What do I know? What does that make me think?" That routine keeps them grounded in evidence. Use Commercial Clues: Watch for Actions and Commercial Clues: Confirm the Conclusion to show how a conclusion can be checked against the full scene.

Try it

Give the child one inference sentence and ask them to find the clue that proves it. Then have them write one more sentence that begins with "I know this because...".

Parent guide

Help the child separate the clue from the conclusion. If they say, "He is sad," ask, "What in the picture or text makes you think that?" The proof matters as much as the answer.