Answer With Evidence
- Tell a literal answer from an inference
- Point to the line that proves your answer
- Use inference words like 'suggests' and 'probably'
Read along with Miss Penny
Every good comprehension answer has proof. Either the text says it, or the text hints at it. Today you learn the difference.
A literal answer is written in the text, plainly. An inference is when the text hints and you work it out. Both are real answers. Only one needs you to think a little more.
Look. Thabo pulled at his collar and wiped his forehead. Does the text say it was hot? No. So how do we know? Because that is what people do when they are hot. That is inference, and you built it from two clues.
When you infer, say so. It suggests that, he probably felt, this tells us that. Teachers look for that kind of wording because it shows you know you are inferring.
And always point at your evidence. In paragraph two it says. Quoting a few words is the strongest thing you can do in a comprehension answer. An answer without proof is a guess.
Now you can tell literal from inference, build an inference from clues, and point at the line that proves it. Time to show me.
Check yourself
1 / 4'The girl's hands were shaking as she stepped onto the stage.' How did she feel?