Drawing
Conclusions
Learn how to be a reading detective — using clues in the passage to figure out what the author does not say directly.
What Is a Conclusion?
A conclusion is a smart guess you make using clues from the passage. The author does not tell you the answer with exact words. Instead, you put the clues together to figure it out.
Clues Lead to a Conclusion
The passage never says "it is winter." But all three clues point the same way, so your conclusion is supported.
Stated vs. Unstated
The Golden Rule
Conclusion vs. Wild Guess
How to Draw a Conclusion
Clue Words to Watch
Certain words give away feelings and facts. They become your best clues:
Example 1: Easy
Clues: umbrella + rain boots. Conclusion: It is raining (or about to rain) outside.
Example 2: Medium
Clues: checking the clock, tapping, watching the door. Conclusion: Sam is feeling nervous or impatient while waiting for someone.
Example 3: Harder
Clues: empty shelves, lights off, "Back Monday" sign. Conclusion: The store is closed right now.
Common Mistakes
Quick Summary
| Safe Conclusion | Unsafe Guess | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Passage clues | Imagination |
| Can you prove it? | Yes, point to text | No clue to find |
| How far it goes | Stays close to text | Too far / extra |
| Best test | "What do clues add up to?" | "I just feel like it" |
Your Detective Checklist
Question 1 of 5
Leo carried his glove to the field, stretched his arms, and grinned as he watched the other players warm up. The coach blew the whistle, and Leo ran to take his spot near the base.
What can you conclude that Leo is about to do?
Question 2 of 5
Mia tiptoed past her parents' door, holding the wrapped box behind her back. She slipped it under the tree and crept back to bed, smiling in the dark.
What can you conclude about the box?
Question 3 of 5
Ben kept dropping his pencil and looking out the window. He could not remember a single answer, and his stomach felt twisty. When the teacher handed out the papers, his hands shook.
How is Ben most likely feeling?
Question 4 of 5
The sand was warm under their feet, waves crashed nearby, and seagulls circled overhead. Dad set up the big striped umbrella while the kids filled their buckets.
Where is the family most likely visiting?
Question 5 of 5
The classroom lights were off, the chairs were stacked on the desks, and a sign on the door read "See you in September!" The hallway was quiet and empty.
Which conclusion is best supported by the clues?