Inference Worksheets Context Clues Reading Comprehension Canada - Free Printable

Let’s go through each question one by one, using clues from the story to make smart guesses — that’s what “making inferences” means!

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Question 1: How do you think the explorers felt when they realised the volcano was erupting?

Think about what happened:
- The ground started trembling.
- They screamed “It’s erupting!” and “RUN!”
- They sped down as ash and rock rained down.
- A loud BOOM sounded and they could feel heat behind them.

All of this tells us they were scared and panicked. People don’t scream “RUN!” unless they’re afraid or in danger.

→ So, they probably felt scared, terrified, or panicked.

How did you make this inference?
I looked at their actions (screaming, running) and the dangerous situation (ash falling, loud boom, hot lava). These are signs someone is frightened.

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Question 2: Why do you think beads of sweat were dripping down their bodies?

The story says:
- They were hiking to the highest ridge.
- They walked higher and higher.
- Sweat was dripping as they climbed.

Hiking up a mountain — especially a volcano — is hard work. Your body gets hot and sweats to cool down. Also, volcanoes can be hot places even before they erupt!

→ So, they were sweating because they were working hard climbing and it was probably hot.

How did you make this inference?
I connected the idea of hiking uphill with physical effort → which causes sweating. Also, volcanoes often have warm environments.

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Question 3: How do you think the explorers initially arrived at the volcano?

At the end of the story, it says:
> “They sprinted down until they reached the helicopter. Up, up, up into the air they went.”

That means there was a helicopter waiting for them at the bottom. If they had a helicopter to escape, maybe they used it to get there too!

Also, hiking all the way to the top of a volcano is very long and tough — scientists might fly partway to save time and energy.

→ So, they probably arrived by helicopter.

How did you make this inference?
Because they escaped in a helicopter, it makes sense they also came in one. It’s common for scientists to use helicopters to reach remote or dangerous places like volcanoes.

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Final Answer:

1. The explorers likely felt scared or panicked. I inferred this because they screamed “RUN!”, ran fast, and reacted to loud noises and falling ash — all signs of fear.

2. Beads of sweat were dripping because they were working hard hiking uphill and/or it was hot near the volcano. I inferred this from the fact that they were climbing high and sweating during physical activity.

3. The explorers probably arrived at the volcano by helicopter. I inferred this because they escaped in a helicopter at the end, suggesting it was their mode of transport to and from the site.