Reading: Reading for Inference & Implied Meaning
B2 Lesson 2: Inferring Characters' Feelings, Motives, and Relationships
Listen to the dialogue and examples.
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
This lesson is about acting like a 'reading detective'. These words are your tools.
Literal vs. Inferred Meaning
At a B2 level, you must stop reading only the literal words and start seeing the hidden message (the subtext).
B1 Level (Literal) literal
"Sok was angry. He said, 'I don't like this.'"
Clues: The text *tells* us exactly what Sok feels.
B2 Level (Inferred)
"Sok's jaw tightened. He stared at the report for a long moment before saying, 'This is... unacceptable.'"
Clues: The text *shows* us. We infer anger from his 'tightened' jaw and his strong word choice ("unacceptable").
Your Detective's Toolkit: How to Infer 🕵️
Look for these three types of clues in any story or dialogue.
How does the character feel?
- Diction (Word Choice): Did they use a sharp, sarcastic, or hesitant word? ("This is... acceptable." = not happy)
- Actions: Did they slam the door? Or sigh softly? (Slammed = angry; Sighed = sad/tired)
Why are they doing this?
- What They Don't Say: If you ask "Do you like my new haircut?" and they say "It's... different," their motive is to avoid hurting your feelings.
- Contradictions: They say "I'm fine" (but their hands are shaking). Their motive is to hide their fear.
What is their connection?
- Formality: "Mr. Chea" (formal, boss/employee) vs. "Sam" (informal, friends).
- Shared History: "Don't you remember what happened in Kampot?" (They have a past together).
Reading Practice Passage
Read the dialogue below. Pay attention to what is *not* said. Click 🔊 to hear the dialogue.
(The office door opens. Rithy stands nervously, Vanna is sitting at a large desk.)
Vanna: Rithy. Come in. You said it was important.
Rithy: Hi, Vanna. I... yes. Look, I know you're busy, but I was wondering about the new project manager position.
Vanna: (Looks up from computer, sighs) Ah. That. I've already submitted my recommendation.
Rithy: (Voice tightens) Oh. I see. You didn't even... consider me?
Vanna: I considered everyone. I need someone with team leadership experience. We're running a business here, Rithy, not a high school club.
Rithy: (Stares for a second, then nods slowly) A "high school club." Right. I see where I stand.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Reading Between the Lines
Based on the dialogue above, answer the following questions. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. How does Rithy feel when he says, "I see where I stand"?
2. What is Vanna's most likely *motive* for saying "not a high school club"?
3. What can you infer about Rithy and Vanna's relationship?
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
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Inference (to Infer)
To form an opinion based on evidence; to 'read between the lines'.
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Motive
The *reason* why someone does something.
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Subtext
The unspoken, hidden meaning or feeling in what someone says.
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Diction
The specific choice of words. (e.g., "fine" vs. "splendid").
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To Imply
To suggest something without saying it directly.
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Tension
A feeling of unfriendliness or unspoken conflict between people.
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Hesitant
Slow to act or speak, often because of uncertainty or nervousness.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
The "Silent Movie" Challenge
- Find a 2-3 minute dramatic scene from an English movie or TV show.
- Watch it first with the sound OFF.
- Write down your inferences: What are the characters feeling? What do they want? What is their relationship?
- Now, watch the scene again with the sound ON.
- Were your inferences correct? How did the dialogue and intonation confirm or change your ideas?