Inference and Tone
Learn to infer meaning and recognise a writer's tone.
Writers do not always say everything directly. Good readers infer meaning and hear tone.
- Explain the difference between fact and inference.
- Identify a writer's tone from word choice.
- Support an inference with evidence from the passage.
Inference
An inference is a conclusion based on clues, not a direct statement. If a passage says "She pulled her coat tighter and hurried past the beggar", we can infer that she feels cold and perhaps uncomfortable.
Tone
Tone is the writer's attitude. It is created by word choice. "The plan was ambitious" sounds neutral; "the reckless plan" sounds critical; "the bold plan" sounds admiring.
Evidence First
Never guess in an exam. Point to the words that support your inference: "The writer calls the scheme 'reckless', which suggests a disapproving tone."
"The classroom was spotless, the learners were eager, and the lesson flew by."
The tone is admiring. Evidence: "spotless", "eager", "flew by".
Practice
- Write one sentence that implies someone is nervous without saying "nervous".
- Read a newspaper opinion column and name the writer's tone. Quote two words that support you.
- Explain the difference between a fact and an inference.
Recap
Inference reads clues; tone reads attitude. Both must be supported with evidence from the text.
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