Reading: Reading for Inference & Implied Meaning (Introduction)
B1 Lesson 2: Drawing Simple Conclusions Based on Information in the Text
Being a Reading Detective
In our last lesson, we practiced making inferences from clues. Today, we will use a similar skill called drawing a conclusion1.
When you draw a conclusion, you act like a detective or a judge. You look at all the pieces of evidence2 (the facts in the text), put them together, and make a final, logical judgment3 about the overall situation.
How to Draw a Conclusion
- Gather the Evidence: Read the text and identify all the important facts and details.
- Connect the Clues: Ask yourself, "What do all these facts mean when I put them together?"
- Make a Judgment: Form a conclusion that explains the situation. It's an inference based on all the evidence combined.
Practice Example 1
Let's read the text and draw a conclusion about the weather.
The sky to the west turned dark grey. The wind began to blow hard, making the coconut palm trees bend. Shopkeepers along the riverfront started to pull their signs and tables inside. Far away, a low rumble could be heard.
Let's be detectives:
- Evidence 1: The sky is dark grey.
- Evidence 2: The wind is strong.
- Evidence 3: Shopkeepers are protecting their things.
- Evidence 4: There is a rumble (thunder).
Conclusion: When you put all this evidence together, you can conclude that a big rainstorm is coming soon.
Practice Example 2
Let's read about Mr. Chea and draw a conclusion about his plan.
Mr. Chea looked at his old moto. One tire was flat, and he knew the engine had not started in weeks. He saw a new patch of rust growing on the side. He sighed, then took out his smartphone and opened an app to check prices for new motos.
Let's be detectives:
- Evidence 1: The moto has a flat tire.
- Evidence 2: The engine is broken.
- Evidence 3: It is getting rusty.
- Evidence 4: He is checking prices for new motos.
Conclusion: We can conclude that Mr. Chea has decided his old moto is not worth fixing and he is planning to buy a new one.
Your Turn to Be the Judge!
Practice Quiz
Read the situation below and draw the most logical conclusion.
"Nary has an important university entrance exam tomorrow at 8:00 AM. Her school books and notes are spread all over her desk. Next to the books is an empty coffee cup and a half-eaten plate of rice. She looks at the clock, which says it is 11:30 PM, and she yawns widely."
What is the best conclusion you can draw from this situation?
- A. Nary is not worried about her exam.
- B. Nary has been studying late into the night for her exam.
- C. Nary has already finished her exam and is relaxing.
Answer: B. All the pieces of evidence (the exam tomorrow, open books, empty coffee cup, late time, yawning) work together to support this conclusion.
Vocabulary Glossary
-
Conclusion (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: សេចក្តីសន្និដ្ឋាន
A final judgment or decision that you make after looking at all the facts and evidence. ↩ back to text -
Evidence (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ភស្តុតាង
The facts, signs, or information in a text that help you make a judgment or prove that something is true. ↩ back to text -
Logical Judgment (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការវិនិច្ឆ័យតក្កវិជ្ជា
A sensible decision that is based on facts and reason, not on emotion. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Draw Your Own Conclusion!
Read the pieces of evidence below. Then, write one sentence that is a logical conclusion.
Evidence:
- The cafe is usually busy at 7:00 PM.
- Tonight at 7:00 PM, all the lights are off.
- The chairs are on top of the tables.
- There is a "Closed for Holiday" sign on the door.
Your Conclusion: ___________________________________