Reading: Reading for Inference
B1 Lesson 1: Understanding Implied Information
Listen to the lesson explanations and examples.
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
Let's learn these important words for today's lesson.
What is an Inference? (Reading Between the Lines)
An inference is a smart guess you make based on evidence. The text doesn't say it directly, but it gives you clues. Your job is to be a detective!
You must combine the clues from the text with your own knowledge about the world to find the hidden meaning.
Seeing Inference in Action
Example 1: The Weather
(Your Knowledge: People use umbrellas to stay dry from the rain.)
Example 2: The Conversation
(Your Knowledge: People must study for many hours before a huge exam.)
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Practice Quiz: Find the Hidden Meaning
Read the situation, then choose the best inference. Click "Check Answers" when you're done.
1. "The cafe was empty. Only one cup of cold coffee sat on a table."
2. "The child crossed his arms, looked at his vegetables, and said, 'I'm not hungry.'"
3. "When the boss walked into the office, everyone immediately stopped talking and started typing quietly on their computers."
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
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To Infer
To form an opinion or guess based on information (clues). (The reader infers).
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To Imply
To suggest something without saying it directly. (The writer or speaker implies).
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Clue
A sign or piece of information that helps you find an answer.
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Context
The situation, events, or information related to something.
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Assumption
Something you accept as true without proof. (Your "background knowledge").
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Become a Detective
This week, your mission is to practice finding hidden meanings.
- Read a short news story or social media post in English.
- Find one Fact (something the text *directly says*).
- Find one Inference (something the text *implies* or suggests).
Example:
Fact: "The company is laying off 500 workers."
Inference: "The company is probably losing money."