Explanation:
Let’s go through each question one by one, using clues from the story to make inferences (that means guessing based on what we know, not just what’s written directly).
1.
How do you think Kathy felt during her first year of school?
The story says:
- She found it *difficult to make friends* because of the language barrier.
- She *spent a lot of time alone*, with *no one else to talk to*.
These details suggest she probably felt lonely, sad, or maybe even scared or frustrated.
→ So, a good inference is: *Kathy likely felt lonely and isolated.*
How did you make this inference?
Because the text tells us she was alone often and couldn’t talk easily with others — that usually makes people feel lonely.
2.
Why do you think Kathy had to work harder than the other students when learning to read and write?
The story says she moved to Australia at age 6 and was born in China. That means her first language was probably Chinese, and English was new to her. Learning to read and write in a new language is much harder than in your native language.
→ So, inference: *Because English was not her first language, she had to learn both the language and the reading/writing skills at the same time.*
How did you make this inference?
The text says she moved at age 6 and had a “language barrier” — that tells us English wasn’t familiar to her yet, so reading and writing would be extra hard.
3.
Do you think Kathy’s friend enjoyed sharing Kathy’s lunch?
The story says:
- Other students thought her food was *strange*, but *Kathy didn’t care*.
- Then, *one day another student forgot lunch*, and Kathy shared hers.
- After that, *they became best friends* and *shared lunch for the rest of the year*.
If they kept sharing and became best friends, it’s very likely the friend liked it — otherwise, they wouldn’t have continued. Also, sharing food is often a kind, friendly act that builds connection.
→ Inference: *Yes, Kathy’s friend probably enjoyed sharing her lunch*, because they kept doing it and became close friends.
How did you make this inference?
Because they continued sharing lunch all year and became best friends — people don’t usually keep doing something they dislike, especially if it’s optional.
Final Answer:
1. Kathy likely felt lonely and isolated.
I made this inference because the passage says she spent a lot of time alone and had trouble making friends due to the language barrier.
2. Kathy had to work harder because English was not her first language, so she was learning to read and write in a new language.
I made this inference because she moved to Australia at age six and faced a language barrier, which suggests English was unfamiliar to her.
3. Yes, Kathy’s friend probably enjoyed sharing Kathy’s lunch.
I made this inference because after Kathy shared her lunch once, they became best friends and continued sharing for the rest of the year — showing the friend liked it.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of drawing conclusions worksheet 4th grade.
