Read the selection and answer the questions.

Coffee has been around for over 700 years. It has been used in foods, wines, and medicine.
It grows in several places in the world such as India, Africa, United States, Mexico, South
America, Central America, and the West Indies. There are over 100 types of coffee; a coffee
is usually named for the area in which it is grown. Different areas of the world prefer different
types of coffee. Caffeine, which is a stimulant, is found in coffee, and if it is taken out, the
coffee is called decaffeinated. Many people all over the world drink coffee.

1. You can conclude that

A. if a coffee is called Brazilian coffee, it might be grown in Brazil.

B. everyone loves to drink coffee.
C. South American coffee is the best.
D. it is difficult to grow coffee beans.

One of the oldest games in the world is hockey. The ancient Greeks and Persians played it.
So did Native Americans. The name comes from an old French world, hoquet. It is the word
for a shepherd's crooked staff, or stick.
2. From the story you can tell that
A. hockey is played with a ball.
B. the French have played hockey for a long time.
C. hockey is now played by shepherds.
D. hockey will not last much longer.

William H. Harrison was the ninth president of the United States. He was sworn in as
president in 1841. At the event he gave a long speech. In fact, his speech was the longest
ever made by a new president. As his speech, the weather was very cold. Harrison grew ill
and died 31 days later. He is known as the president who gave the longest speech. He is
also known as the one who served the shortest term.

3. The story suggests that William Harrison

A. was president only a short time.
B. liked cold weather .
C. liked short speeches.
D. was a funny president .

The Sahara desert is the largest desert in the world and takes up over three million square
miles, which is almost the size of the United States. The Sahara desert is found in Africa.
The Sahara isn't all just sand. It has almost 100 oases or springs of water. Oil and gas can
be found under this vast desert. There are other natural resources such as: copper, iron, ore,
and uranium. The desert doesn't get much rain. There aren't any paved roads, but cars can
be driven on the desert floor. There are about two million people who live in the large desert.

4. You can conclude that

A. it is difficult to travel in the Sahara desert.

B. all plants die since there isn't any water.
C. people have used all the oil in the desert.
D. people like to live in the desert.

1
Carla really wanted a puppy, but her parents didn't care for dogs. Most of her friends had
dogs, and she really enjoyed playing with them. Every time she asked her parents, they
would say, "They are a lot of responsibility. You have to feed and play with them. Also, when
they are puppies, they needed to be trained." Although her parents didn't believe she was
mature enough to have a dog, she knew that she take could care of one. Carla knew she
wasn't the most responsible person when it came to taking care of her toys, but a puppy
would be different. Each day she made a concentrated effort to pick up her toys and help out
around the house. She knew her parents were pleased with her new, responsible attitude.
She was hoping her hard work would finally pay off. When she came home from school, she
heard a whining noise coming from a box with air holes. Could this be what she thought it
was?

5. You can conclude that

A. Carla was paid for helping out around the house

B. Carla never takes care of her belongings.
C. Carla likes to play with boxes.
D. Carla started acting more responsible in hopes that her parents would believe
she was mature enough to have a dog.

6. You can conclude that

A. her parents are going to wait for her birthday to give her a dog.
B. Carla decides not to beg her parents anymore for a puppy, and she will be happy
just playing with her friends' dogs.
C. a puppy was in the box.
D. she doesn't know what responsibility is.

One night in 1816, Mary Shelley and some friends gathered. They took turn telling scary
stories. At last Mary's turn came. She told a story of a doctor. The doctor tried to create a
man but built a monster instead. Two years later Mary published the story in a book called
Frankenstein.

7. The story does not tell

A. when Mary Shelley and her friends gathered.
B. when Mary Shelley's book was published.
C. what the other scary stories were about.
D. what Mary Shelley's scary story was about.

2
Salmon are born in fresh water but travel to salt water to live their lives and then travel back
upstream to where they spawn more salmon before they die. Salmon traveling upstream are
very determined to get back to where they were born. They fight against currents, whirlpools,
and waterfalls; even though, man has placed some obstacles in the salmon's way by
building dams or rivers. Once the salmon reaches its birthplace, it lays eggs. These eggs
hatch, and the process begins again.

8. You can conclude that

A. salmon is a lazy type of fish.

B. salmon like to stay where they are born.
C. salmon bury their eggs underneath rocks.
D. when man develops more land, it will be more difficult for the salmon to survive.

9. You can conclude that

A. salmon is an expensive fish to eat.

B. salmon can't survive in fresh water.
C. salmon are born in saltwater.
D. salmon live for a very long time.

One common superstition is the fear of the number 13. The fear of 13 shows up in many
places. On most airplanes there is no thirteenth row of seats. Most tall buildings do not have
a thirteenth floor. And many people feel a bit nervous on Friday the thirteenth.

10. From the story you cannot tell

A. that the fear of 13 is very common.
B. why people fear the number 13.
C. if airplanes use 13 as a row number.
D. on what day Friday the thirteenth falls.

3
Question 1 is based on the picture below.

1. What does the picture above imply?

A. The jury is ordering food for many people.
B. The jurors like hamburger more than frank.
C. The jurors do not like to eat out.
D. The discussion may drag on for a long time.

Question 2 and 3 are based on the passage below.

Mason's eyes locked on the skinny kid with glasses. It’s obvious that Mason is
a lot bigger than him. Mason knew his name was Tommy. He was a couple years
younger and was walking alone. Mason walked up to Tommy and shoved him
hard. Tommy stumbled but did not fall. Mason laughed. Tommy turned around
slowly. He looked at Mason straight in the eye. Mason took a step back. "That
was very rude," Tommy said in a steady voice. He seemed to grow a few inches
taller. "You should treat other people the way you want to be treated." Mason
began to feel uneasy. This was a strange, little kid. "Oops. Sorry," Mason said.
Then, he left to find an easier target.

2. From the story, what can the reader tell about Tommy?
A. He is a loner.
B. He is not afraid of Mason.
C. He is physically a fit person.
D. He is a strange kid.

3. How can the reader tell that Mason is a bully?

A. Mason aimed a skinny kid with glasses.
B. Mason laughed when he pushed Tommy.
C. Mason was a rude kid.
D. Mason felt uneasy when Tommy advised him.
Question 4 and 5 are based on the short passage below.

I quickly packed my suitcase. I tossed in a change of clothes, a toothbrush,

and a hairbrush. Glancing at my watch, I zipped the suitcase and walked
to the front door. After I shut the window blinds, I pulled a heavy coat from
the closet.

4. Which inference is supported by specific information in the passage?

A. The narrator has a new luggage.
B. The narrator is late.
C. The narrator likes being outdoor in winter.
D. The narrator is going to the airport.

5. Based on information in the passage, what is a reasonable inference to make about the narrator’s
plans?
A. The narrator is going to take a short trip.
B. The narrator is a neat person.
C. The narrator will stay for a fortnight.
D. The narrator is on time for his plan.

Question 6 and 7 are based on the passage below.

How to Succeed as a Volunteer

So You Want to be a Volunteer?

Many high school students like to take part in volunteer activities. Some of the
perks of volunteerism include gaining useful experiences, making good friends,
and building relationships with others. Perhaps best of all, volunteering gives you
a chance to step outside of yourself and your own circumstances and do something
to help others. Volunteering can help you gain skills necessary for any future path
in life. Treat your volunteer job as something that requires the same commitment,
timeliness, and professionalism as any paid work that you might do.
Step 1: Finding a Good Fit
If you have a particular passion, it makes sense to look for an opportunity in that
area. However, the actual work you do may or may not connect directly to your
personal interests. For example, you may love animals, but the local shelter needs
people to create flyers for an upcoming fundraiser. You might not end up working
directly with the animals.
Step 2: The Interview
Most organizations interview potential volunteers. After all, the organization wants
to be sure that you are a good fit for the work they have. Read about interview
strategies and tips, in addition to correct interview attire, and etiquette. Also
practice answering common interview questions. Even if you know that once
“hired” as a volunteer you will be wearing jeans and a T-shirt every day, you aren’t
“hired” yet. As a candidate, you need to present a neat and clean appearance and
create a good first impression. You can never go wrong by being “overly”
professional.
Step 3: The Work You Do
Just like in any job, there will likely be parts of your assigned work you find very
interesting and enjoyable and parts that you do not. Some organizations might
have you “work up” from basic jobs to those with more responsibility. Remember,
 you want to support the organization with the work that they need you to do.
Timeliness, attention to detail, and a professional attitude will prove you are ready
for better opportunities. At the same time, just like in a real job, there is room for
negotiation. For instance, if you would like some phone experience and you have
only been doing paperwork for a while, ask for a meeting with your supervisor and
highlight how your goals will benefit the organization. Be diplomatic, proactive, and
ready to compromise.
Step 4: What You Take Away
Hopefully your volunteer experience will be a positive one and allow you to learn
some new skills. At the very least, you will gain experience and useful contacts to
include on future college or work applications.

6. What possible inference can you make about the author’s attitude towards volunteering?
A. The author is either having positive or negative attitude.
B. The author discourages applicants who have no volunteer experience to apply.
C. The author is sceptical towards volunteering activities as it is daunting.
D. The author believes that volunteering can be a positive experience for the volunteer.

7. Which inferences can be supported by the text?

A. Colleges usually don’t accept applicants who have no volunteering experience.
B. It can be difficult to get a volunteer opportunity.
C. The biggest expense of becoming a volunteer is having professional clothes to wear to the
interview.
D. A candidate’s performance during an interview for a volunteer position is important.

Question 8, 9 and 10 are based on the statements given.

Even spiders that do not build webs from silk use it for a variety of purposes, such as
constructing egg sacs and nursery tents.

8. What is the best inference based on the statement above?

A. All spiders build webs.
B. Spiders that build webs don’t build egg sacs or nursery tents.
C. Silk is used by all spiders.
D. Only female spiders use silk to build egg sacks.

In all cultures, gestures are used as a form of communication, but the same gestures
may have very different meanings in different cultures.

9. What is the best inference based on the statement above?

A. No two cultures use the same gestures.
B. One gesture will never have the same meaning in two cultures.
C. A person from one culture may misunderstand the gestures used by a person from another
culture.
D. Two cultures may share the same meaning for a gesture.
 When apple growers talk about new varieties of apples, they don’t mean something
developed last month, last year, or even in the last decade.

10. What is the best inference based on the statement above?

A. Apple growers haven’t developed any new varieties in recent decades.
B. Some varieties of apples can be developed in a short time, but others take a long time.
C. It is possible to develop new variety of apples through the years.
D. New varieties of apples take many years to develop.

Read the following statements and write appropriate inference for each.

(a) “For Valentine’s Day, my fantastic neighbour gave his wife a poem that took him about two
seconds to write. Sheesh.”
What can you infer from this statement?
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

(b) A man ran after a retreating bus, waving his bag frantically. What can you infer from this
statement?
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

(c) As you give a speech in front of a large audience, you realize that people are laughing behind
their hands and pointing to the region below your waist. What can you infer from this
statement?
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

(d) A woman walks into a hospital clutching her abdomen and cursing out her husband, who trails
behind her carrying a large bag. What can you infer from this statement?
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

(e) “Larry, as your boss, I must say that it’s been very interesting working with you,” Miss Valdez
said. “However, it seems that our company’s needs and your performance style are not well
matched. Therefore, it makes me very sad to have to ask you to resign your position effective
today.” What can you infer from this statement?
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

(f) The air blowing off of the water is clean and crisp. As she slowly made her way to the
destination, the damp sand beneath her feet began to stick to the bottom of her toes. Finally,
she was close enough to see. A blue and white table cloth spread over the sand. Candles
glistened in the light of the setting sun. A tear ran down her cheek. What can you infer?
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
(g) She stumbled down the road, not sure what made car veer like that. The water was running
down her face and dripping off her hair. She suddenly saw the lights of another car. She was
sure they would be able to help her. What can you infer?
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

(h) “I wouldn’t eat after that two years old if I were you”. What can you infer?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

(i) “If she died, I wouldn’t go to her funeral”. What can you infer?
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

(j) You are driving on the highway when suddenly a police officer pulls you over. What can you
infer from this situation?
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

(k) William had been waiting in line for over an hour. By the time he reached the ticket counter,
disappointment written all over his face. He did not expect the cinema to be so crowded as
the screening of the show had been going on for three weeks already. William had been
looking forward to take Jeanette out for their first movie date together.
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Inferences Worksheet 1
Directions: Read each passage and then respond to the questions. Each question will ask you to make
a logical inference based on textual details. Explain your answer by referencing the text.

Every day after work Paul took his muddy boots off on the steps of the front porch. Alice would have
a fit if the boots made it so far as the welcome mat. He then took off his dusty overalls and threw them
into a plastic garbage bag; Alice left a new garbage bag tied to the porch railing for him every
morning. On his way in the house, he dropped the garbage bag off at the washing machine and went
straight up the stairs to the shower as he was instructed. He would eat dinner with her after he was
“presentable,” as Alice had often said.

1. What type of job does Paul do? ____________________________________________________

How do you know this?

2. Describe Alice: ___________________________________________________________________

What in the text supports your description?

3. What relationship do Paul and Alice have? _____________________________________________

Why do you feel this way?

Crack! Thunder struck and rain poured. Max stared blankly out the window, trying to contain his
emotions that raged like the weather. He was beginning to lose it. Dropping the kite from his hand,
Max broke out into full sobs. His mother comforted him, “There, there, Max. We’ll just find
something else to do.” She began to unpack the picnic basket that was on the counter and offered him
a sandwich. Max snapped, “I don’t wanna sand-mich!” A flash from the sky lit up the living room.
Boom! Mom sighed.

4. Why is Max upset? ________________________________________________________________

How do you know this?

5. What was Mom planning on doing today? ______________________________________________

What in the text supports your description?
“Tommy!” Mom called out as she walked in the front door. “Tommy,” she continued shouting, “I
sure could use some help with these groceries. There was still no reply. Mom walked into the kitchen
to put the grocery bags down on the counter when she noticed shattered glass from the picture window
all over the living room floor and a baseball not far from there. “I’m going to kill you, Tommy!” Mom
yelled to herself as she realized that Tommy’s shoes were gone.

6. What happened to the window? ______________________________________________________

How do you know this?

7. Why did Tommy leave? ____________________________________________________________

What in the text supports your description?

Today was a special day in Ms. Smith’s class. Some of the children were walking around the room,
some of them were standing in small groups, and some of them were at their desks, putting finishing
touches on cardboard mailboxes. After coloring a cool flame on the side of his racecar mailbox,
Johnny hopped off his chair, strutted over to Veronica’s desk, and dropped a small white envelope into
her princess castle mailbox. Veronica blushed and played with her hair. While this was happening,
Bartleby was frantically trying to put a small white envelope into everyone’s mailbox. After giving
one to Ms. Smith, Bartleby pulled out a medium-sized red envelope from his pocket. He blushed and
tried to put it in Veronica’s mailbox, but it wouldn’t quite fit. Bartleby struggled with it for a few
seconds and then ran off with the envelope. Veronica rolled her eyes and popped her gum.

8. Why is today a special day? _________________________________________________________

What in the text supports your idea?

9. Which boy does Veronica like? ______________________________________________________

What in the text supports your idea?

10. Why did Bartleby run? ____________________________________________________________

What in the text supports your idea?

Inferences Worksheet 2
Directions: Read each passage and then respond to the questions. Each question will ask you to make
a logical inference based on textual details. Explain your answer by referencing the text.
Kyle ran into his house, slamming the door behind him. He threw his book bag on the floor and
plopped onto the couch. After six hours of playing Grand Larceny VII, he ate some pizza and fell
asleep with a slice on his stomach and his feet on his book bag. When Kyle came home from school
the next day, he was noticeably distraught. He balled up his report card and placed it inside a soup can
in the garbage. He then flipped the soup can upside down in the garbage can and arranged loose pieces
of trash over it. As he plopped down on the couch, he let out a sigh and picked up his controller.

1. Why is Kyle distraught? __________________________________________________________

How do you know this?

2. Why does Kyle put the report card in a soup can? ________________________________________

How do you know this?

3. Was Kyle’s report card good or bad and why was it like that? ______________________________

How do you know this?

Anastasia sat by the fountain in the park with her head in her palms. She was weeping mournfully and
her clothing was disheveled. In between gasps and sobs, Anastasia cried out a name: “Oh... John…”
And then her cell phone beeped. Her hand ran into her purse and her heart fluttered. The text message
was from John. She opened up the message and read the few bare words, “I need to get my jacket back
from you.” Anastasia threw her head into her arms and continued sobbing.

4. What relationship do John and Anastasia have? _________________________________________

Why do you feel this way?

5. Why is Anastasia sad? _____________________________________________________________

How do you know this?

Cassie rolled over in her bed as she felt the sunlight hit her face. The beams were warming the back of
her neck when she slowly realized that it was a Thursday, and she felt a little too good for a Thursday.
Struggling to open her eyes, she looked up at the clock. “9:48,” she shouted, “Holy cow!” Cassie
jumped out of bed, threw on the first outfit that she grabbed, brushed her teeth in two swipes, threw her
books into her backpack, and then ran out the door.

6. What problem is Cassie having? _____________________________________________________

How do you know this?

7. Where is Cassie going? ____________________________________________________________

How do you know this?

Kelvin was waiting in front of the corner store at 3:56. His muscles were tense and he was sweating a
bit more than usual. The other kids gathered in front of the little storefront were much more relaxed,
even playful. They joked back and forth lightly to each other but for Kelvin, time slowed. 3:57.
“Don’t worry, Kelvin. He ain’t even gonna show up.” Kelvin hoped that he wouldn’t. A black four-
door Camry with tinted windows pulled up and parked across the street. Kelvin gulped. 3:58. A
group of teenagers piled out of the car. James was in the front. “Hi-ya, Kelvin. Glad you could make
it,” James said. Kelvin felt smaller.

8. Why is Kelvin waiting at the corner store? _____________________________________________

How do you know this?

9. Are James and Kelvin friends? _______________________________________________________

What in the text supports your idea?

10. Why is Kelvin so nervous? _________________________________________________________

What in the text supports your idea?

Inferences Worksheet 3
Directions: Read each passage and then respond to the questions. Each question will ask you to make a logical
inference based on textual details. Explain your answer by referencing the text.

Ryan was looking forward to sleeping over at his friend Robert's house. Though they had been
classmates for a while, the two had only recently become good friends. Ryan packed up his sleeping
bag, a pillow, and a few of his favorite toys and games, and then his mom dropped him off at Robert's.
Robert met Ryan on the porch and the two did their secret handshake and started playing right away.
First they played pirates in Robert's tree fort. Next they played ninjas in the driveway. Then it started
getting dark and they went inside of Robert's house. As soon as they walked in the house, Ryan's eyes
starting getting red and itchy. He saw a big orange cat sitting on the couch. Then he started sneezing
uncontrollably. "I'm sorry, Robert. It's been a lot of fun, but I have to call my mom."

1. Why do Ryan's eyes get red and itchy when he walks into Robert's house? ______________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

How do you know this?

2. Why does Ryan want to call his mother? _________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

How do you know this?

"William, don't forget your towel!" Mom shouted as she applied sunblock on the baby. William threw
the folding chairs in the back of the minivan and shouted through the garage door, "OK Mom!" He then
ran up and grabbed his towel. "Georgie!" William shouted. There was no response. Mom packed the
baby up into the car seat. "William, can you help me with his umbrella?" William ran down the stairs,
almost tripping over a chew toy, and then he helped his mother load the large umbrella in the minivan.
"Mom, I can't find Georgie," William said. His mother shrugged and replied, "That's OK, William. He
probably shouldn't come with us anyway."

3. Where are Mom and William going? ____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

How do you know this?

4. Who is Georgie? ___________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

How do you know this?

As the teacher brought the class back from the washroom, he noticed that Alvin and Elijah were nowhere to
be seen. He asked the class, "Has anyone seen Alvin or Elijah?" Most of the students confirmed that they had
not seen them, except for Rodney, who remained silent while tapping his foot on the floor anxiously. The
teacher noticed this. "Rodney, do you happen to know where your best buddies Alvin and Elijah went?"
Rodney looked away and said, "Nah, I haven't seen them." The teacher notified the office of the missing
students. An announcement was made over the PA system and a few minutes later, Alvin and Elijah returned
to class. Both of them were very sweaty and Elijah was carrying a basketball. "Sorry we took so long. We
had to use the bathroom," said Elijah. "Yeah," chimed in Alvin, "it took longer than we thought."

5. What were Alvin and Elijah doing while they were gone? __________________________________

How do you know this?

6. Why was Rodney acting so strangely? _________________________________________________

How do you know this?

7. Will the teacher believe Alvin and Elijah's story?_________________________________________

How do you know this?

Tony walked out of the shopping mall with his arms full of bags and the sun shining on him. As he
approached his car, he started awkwardly feeling around his pockets with his arm full of bags. He did not
find what he was looking for so he transferred the bags on one arm to the other arm, which already had bags.
Tony had a lot of bags on one arm. He still couldn't find what he was looking for. Now he dropped the bags
and plunged both hands desperately into all of the pockets on his jeans. With a look of despair, Tony ran to
his car. He tried to open the door, but it was locked. Then he saw something on the passenger seat of the car.
He stopped looking and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

8. Why does Tony get so frantic? _______________________________________________________

How do you know this?

9. What does Tony see on the passenger seat?______________________________________________

How do you know this?

10. Why is Tony getting on the phone? ___________________________________________________

How do you know this?