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Free Inference Worksheets

Short passages where the author shows but does not tell. Students work out what is really going on and point to the clue that proves it. Every passage has a question page and an answer key.

4th Grade inference passages

4 free passages, after the chart. More for this grade on the 4th grade page.

Making Inferences Chart printable preview

Making Inferences Chart

Chart

Clues plus what you know equals an inference: four steps and a worked example. Read it together first.

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The Empty Cookie Jar reading passageThe Empty Cookie Jar comprehension questions

The Empty Cookie Jar

4th Grade

A story of 231 words with 6 questions. Answer key on page 3.

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The New Neighbor reading passageThe New Neighbor comprehension questions

The New Neighbor

4th Grade

A story of 284 words with 6 questions. Answer key on page 3.

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Tracks in the Snow reading passageTracks in the Snow comprehension questions

Tracks in the Snow

4th Grade

A story of 280 words with 6 questions. Answer key on page 3.

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The Quiet Classroom reading passageThe Quiet Classroom comprehension questions

The Quiet Classroom

4th Grade

A story of 268 words with 6 questions. Answer key on page 3.

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4th Grade Inference Reading Passages Pack cover
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The 4 free inference passages above, plus 16 more that are only in the pack.

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About these inference worksheets

To make an inference is to work out something the text does not say directly, using clues in the text and what you already know. It is the skill behind most “why do you think” questions on reading tests.

Each question asks for an inference, and a crayon beside it asks the student to underline the clue in the passage that supports it. The answer key quotes that clue, so a student who chose the wrong answer can see what they missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grade are these inference worksheets for?
Fourth grade. The passages are about 280 words. A strong third grader or a fifth grader who needs review can use them too.
What is the difference between an inference and a guess?
An inference has evidence. A student should be able to point to the words in the text that support it. That is why each question asks the student to underline the clue.
Do the worksheets have answer keys?
Yes. Each PDF is three pages: the passage, the questions and the answer key, which quotes the clue for each inference.