Reading: Reading for Inference & Implied Meaning: B2 Lesson 1: Understanding Implied Information, Sarcasm, and Humor

Reading for Inference

B2 Lesson 1: Implied Meaning & Sarcasm

Goal: Read "between the lines" to understand what people really mean, even when they say the opposite (Sarcasm).

1. Key Concepts

Imply បញ្ជាក់ដោយប្រយោល (Hint at)

Infer សន្និដ្ឋាន (Figure out)

Sarcasm ពាក្យបញ្ឈឺ (Saying opposite)

Literal អត្ថន័យចំ (Exact meaning)

2. The Iceberg Rule (Inference)

In English, people often say only 10% (the tip). You must guess the 90% underneath.

"It's getting late..."

(What they SAID)

Meaning: "I want you to go home now."
Meaning: "I am tired."

3. Detecting Sarcasm

Sarcasm is when the Situation does not match the Words.

SITUATION

Stormy Weather

WORDS

"Beautiful day!"

⚠️ SARCASM DETECTED

SITUATION

Phone breaks

WORDS

"Oh, fantastic."

⚠️ SARCASM DETECTED

4. Analyze the Chat

Tom • 10:00 AM Hey! Are you coming to the meeting? It starts in 5 minutes.

Sarah • 10:01 AM I'm just leaving my house now.

Detective Analysis:
Sarah says: "I am leaving now."
Context: Meeting is in 5 mins. Traveling takes time.
Inference: Sarah will be very late.

5. What do they mean?

Context: You ask a friend if they want to go for a run. It is 40°C outside.

Friend says: "Sure, I love melting."

1. Does the friend want to go? Yes, they love heat. No, they are being sarcastic.

Context: You are eating dinner. Your mom looks at your empty plate.

Mom says: "Wow, you must have hated that."

2. What does Mom mean? You really liked the food. You actually hated it.