Let's solve the inference questions based on the passage titled
"Making Inferences: Something Special."
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Passage Summary:
Jalisa wakes up early on Saturday with a big smile. She’s been waiting all night for this day. She runs into the kitchen to find hot flapjacks with a candle, and her brother Dante gives her a beautifully wrapped gift — a doll. She is thrilled, hugs him, and calls her best friend. The day starts wonderfully.
Now let's answer each question using
inference (drawing conclusions based on clues in the text).
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1. What do you think Jalisa was waiting for all night?
Answer:
Jalisa was likely waiting for her birthday to arrive.
Explanation:
Although it doesn't say directly that it's her birthday, several clues suggest this:
- She had been "waiting all night for Saturday."
- There are
flapjacks with a candle on the table — candles are often used on birthdays.
- Her brother gave her a
wrapped gift with a bow — typical of birthday presents.
- She was
excited and happy, which matches how someone feels on their special day.
- She ran to call her best friend — probably to share the joy of her birthday.
So, we infer that
Saturday is her birthday.
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2. How do you think Jalisa felt when she woke up?
Answer:
Jalisa felt very excited, happy, and joyful.
Explanation:
The passage says she woke up with a
"huge smile on her face" and
"ran down the stairs" — these actions show excitement. She also
"beamed" when she saw the gift, and
hugged and kissed her brother. These are signs of happiness and gratitude. Her emotions reflect a sense of joy and anticipation.
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3. Why do you think Jalisa's brother gave her the gift?
Answer:
Dante gave Jalisa the gift because it was her birthday, and he wanted to make her feel special and loved.
Explanation:
We can infer this from the context:
- It's Saturday, and Jalisa has been waiting all night — suggesting it’s a special occasion.
- The
candle on the flapjacks and the
gift-wrapped box are both birthday traditions.
- He gave the gift with care —
"pretty pink paper" and
"shiny purple bow" — showing thoughtfulness.
- Jalisa’s reaction — hugging and kissing him — shows appreciation, indicating the gift was meaningful.
Therefore, we infer that Dante gave her the gift as a
birthday present to celebrate her special day.
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✔ Final Answers:
1.
Jalisa was waiting for her birthday to arrive.
2.
She felt excited, happy, and joyful.
3.
He gave her the gift because it was her birthday, and he wanted to make her happy and feel special.
These answers are
inferences — they are not stated directly but supported by details in the story.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of inference reading worksheet.
