Course: Reading Test Remediation

Inferring is a confusing word and one of the most difficult parts to reading. At least, that's what you may think. Read through the following short paragraph from a writer named Richard Brautigan:

'It's hard to live in a studio apartment in San Jose with a man who's learning to play the violin.' That's what she told the police when she handed them the empty revolver.

You made inferences after you read this short paragraph. You probably determined that the woman killed the man because he was a terribly annoying when practicing the violin. She killed him by shooting him because that's what is inferred by the 'empty' revolver. You also can infer that the woman is going to jail because the police are there. In addition, you probably understand that a studio apartment doesn't provide enough room for someone to learn an instrument.

Look again at the paragraph. Look again at what we can infer from it. That is why inferring is so important. We acquire so much more information when we open our eyes to making inferences. This unit will help you hone (practice) this skill.