Making Inferences: The Volcano – Solved Worksheet
Let's go through each question, providing a clear answer and explanation based on the story. This is an exercise in
making inferences, which means using clues from the text and your own knowledge to understand things that are not directly stated.
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1. How do you think the explorers felt when they realised the volcano was erupting?
Answer:
The explorers likely felt terrified, panicked, and scared for their lives.
How did you make this inference?
I made this inference because the text says they "screamed, 'It’s erupting!' RUN!" and "sped down the volcano" as ash and rocks rained down. Their immediate reaction—shouting, running, and racing toward safety—shows fear and urgency. Also, the description of a “thunderous BOOM” and feeling the heat of lava behind them adds to the sense of danger and panic.
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2. Why do you think beads of sweat were dripping down their bodies?
Answer:
The explorers were sweating because they were hiking up a steep, hot volcano, which required a lot of physical effort.
How did you make this inference?
I inferred this because the text says they were “hiking to the highest ridge” and “walked higher and higher.” Hiking uphill is physically exhausting and causes people to sweat. Also, volcanoes are typically hot environments, so the combination of heat and exertion would cause sweating.
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3. How do you think the explorers initially arrived at the volcano?
Answer:
They probably arrived by helicopter.
How did you make this inference?
I made this inference because the story mentions that after escaping the eruption, they “reached the helicopter” and “up, up, up into the air they went.” This suggests that the helicopter was already there waiting for them. Since it’s dangerous to hike up a volcano and they needed a quick escape, it makes sense that they came by helicopter to begin with.
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✔ Summary of Inference Skills Used:
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Using context clues: Words like “screamed,” “RUN!”, “raced,” and “BOOM” suggest fear.
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Connecting real-world knowledge: We know hiking uphill causes sweating and helicopters are often used in remote or dangerous areas.
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Looking at cause and effect: The presence of a helicopter at the end implies it was used for arrival and evacuation.
This worksheet helps students practice reading closely and thinking beyond the words to understand emotions, reasons, and events not explicitly stated.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of making inferences worksheets.
