Making
Inferences

Learn to read between the lines and uncover meaning that is implied but not directly stated in a passage.

SSAT Middle Level: Reading

What Is an Inference?

An inference is a logical conclusion you draw from clues in the text combined with your own background knowledge. The author doesn't spell it out for you: instead, you piece together details to figure out what is being implied.

The Inference Equation

Why Inferences Matter on the SSAT

Frequency

Inference questions appear in nearly every reading passage on the SSAT.

Deeper Understanding

They test whether you truly comprehend the passage, not just recall surface facts.

Higher Scores

Mastering inferences separates good readers from great test-takers.

The Golden Rule of Inference

Types of Text Clues

Word Choice

Specific adjectives, verbs, and adverbs reveal the author's attitude and hidden meaning.

Character Actions

What characters do (not just say) reveals their feelings, motivations, and traits.

Setting Details

Descriptions of time, place, and atmosphere hint at mood and theme.

Dialogue & Tone

How something is said matters as much as what is said: sarcasm, excitement, hesitation.

Inference vs. Observation vs. Prediction

	Inference	Observation	Prediction
Definition	A conclusion implied by the text	A fact directly stated in the text	A guess about what happens next
Source	Clues + reasoning	Exact words on the page	Clues + imagination
SSAT Focus	★ High	Medium	Low
Example	"She must feel nervous"	"She walked into the room"	"She will probably leave"

How to Make an Inference: 5 Steps

1

Read the question first. Know what type of inference you need before reading the passage.

2

Read the passage carefully. Pay attention to word choice, tone, and details that stand out.

3

Identify the clues. Underline or note specific words, phrases, and actions that relate to the question.

4

Ask: "What does this suggest?" Combine the clues with your reasoning to form a conclusion.

5

Check against the text. Make sure your answer is supported by the passage, not just your opinion.

Example 1: Reading the Clues

Question: What can you infer about how Maria is feeling?

Clue 1

"Stared at the clock": she is focused on the time passing.

Clue 2

"Tapping her foot": a physical sign of restlessness or impatience.

Clue 3

"Checked her phone for the third time": she is waiting for something or someone.

Example 2: Author's Attitude

Question: What does the author most likely feel about the changes in the town?

1

Contrast clue: The mall "gleamed" (positive, shiny) vs. the bookstore "quietly closed" and "faded" (sad, forgotten).

2

Word choice clue: "Quietly" and "still swung in the wind" suggest something lonely and overlooked.

3

Tone clue: The author spends more emotional language on the bookstore, suggesting sympathy for what was lost.

Example 3: Character Motivation

Question: Why does James most likely not want to go on the school trip?

Clue: Hiding

"Stuffed... into the bottom": he is deliberately concealing the slip, not just forgetting.

Clue: Avoiding

"Changed the subject": he doesn't want to discuss it, suggesting discomfort.

Recognizing Inference Question Stems

On the SSAT, inference questions use specific phrasing. Learn to spot these signal words so you know to look for implied meaning:

1

"It can be inferred from the passage that..."

2

"The passage suggests that..."

3

"The author most likely believes..."

4

"Based on the passage, the reader can conclude that..."

5

"Which of the following is implied by the passage?"

Eliminating Wrong Answer Choices

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕ Using Outside Knowledge

Bringing in facts you know but that aren't supported by the passage. The answer must come from the text.

✕ Choosing What's Stated

Picking an answer that directly appears in the passage. Inference means implied, not stated.

✕ Over-Interpreting

Making a huge leap beyond what the clues support. Stay close to the text's evidence.

Inference Strategy Summary

Strategy	What to Do	What to Avoid
Find Clues	Underline key words, actions, tone	Skimming without marking details
Use Reasoning	Ask "What does this suggest?"	Guessing without evidence
Check Support	Point to specific text evidence	Using outside knowledge only
Eliminate Choices	Remove extreme, stated, or off-topic	Picking the first plausible answer
Stay Close	Choose the most directly supported answer	Making leaps beyond the passage

Question 1 of 5

"When Sarah opened her locker, a pile of crumpled papers spilled onto the floor. She kicked them aside without looking and muttered something under her breath. Her friend Jenna quietly picked them up and placed them back inside."

▼ Tap to read passage

It can be inferred from the passage that Sarah is most likely feeling:

Sarah's actions: kicking papers and muttering are signs of frustration, not excitement or gratitude. She doesn't acknowledge Jenna's help, confirming she's focused on her own negative feelings.

Question 2 of 5

"The old farmer walked along the dry riverbed, running his hand over the cracked earth. He looked up at the cloudless sky and slowly shook his head. That evening, he sat on the porch and wrote a letter to his brother in the city."

▼ Tap to read passage

The passage suggests that the farmer is most likely:

The dry riverbed, cracked earth, and cloudless sky are all clues pointing to drought. Shaking his head signals concern, and writing to his brother may suggest he's reaching out for help. Nothing in the passage supports a celebration or excitement.

Question 3 of 5

"Ms. Chen placed the test face-down on David's desk. He didn't flip it over right away. Instead, he stared at his hands and took a slow breath. When he finally looked, a wide smile spread across his face, and he pumped his fist under the desk."

▼ Tap to read passage

Based on the passage, the reader can conclude that David:

David's hesitation (staring at his hands, slow breath) shows he was nervous. His wide smile and fist pump after looking indicate relief and happiness at a good result. He clearly did not know his grade beforehand, which rules out choice C.

Question 4 of 5

"The once-popular diner on Route 9 had a new coat of paint and a chalkboard sign advertising 'Grand Reopening!' But inside, the booths sat empty. The waitress leaned against the counter, flipping through a magazine. A single car sat in the parking lot."

▼ Tap to read passage

Which of the following is implied by the passage?

The contrast between the optimistic exterior (new paint, "Grand Reopening!") and the empty interior (empty booths, bored waitress, single car) implies the diner is trying but failing to attract customers. Nothing suggests future success, food quality, or the waitress's job satisfaction.

Question 5 of 5

"Dr. Reyes had been studying the coral reef for fifteen years. In her early photographs, the reef was a riot of color: brilliant oranges, deep purples, electric blues. The photos from her latest dive showed a landscape of pale gray and white. She closed the folder and stared out the window for a long time."

▼ Tap to read passage

The author most likely believes that Dr. Reyes feels:

The vivid contrast between the colorful early photos and the pale, gray recent ones signals coral bleaching and decline. Dr. Reyes closing the folder and staring out the window for a long time implies deep sadness and reflection, not indifference, hope, or anger at colleagues.

MakingInferences

What Is an Inference?

The Inference Equation

Why Inferences Matter on the SSAT

The Golden Rule of Inference

Types of Text Clues

Inference vs. Observation vs. Prediction

How to Make an Inference: 5 Steps

Example 1: Reading the Clues

Example 2: Author's Attitude

Example 3: Character Motivation

Recognizing Inference Question Stems

Eliminating Wrong Answer Choices

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inference Strategy Summary

Question 1 of 5

Question 2 of 5

Question 3 of 5

Question 4 of 5

Question 5 of 5

Making
Inferences