4.4 Lesson


Making Inferences


Target


Assignment



Because humans are problem solvers, we like to anticipate meaning. When you are taking care of a baby, for example, you anticipate his or her needs by watching their body language. If they're crying and keep putting their fist in their mouth, you can infer that they are hungry. If you know someone well enough, you may even be able to finish their sentences, because you're unconsciously inferring their body language and the situation and can anticipate what they're going to say based on shared past experiences. 

Inferring is filling in the blank or finding the missing pieces based on the context of the situation or by reading between the lines.


Image source: Pixabay
Sometimes, with just a few clues, you can learn quite a bit about a person.

Characters are presented in two ways:

  1. Directly: The author describes the character.
  2. Indirectly: A character is described through what they say, think, look like, their behaviour, and what other characters say or think about them.

You can remember indirect presentation by using the acronym STAAR.
S – speech
T – thoughts
A – appearance
A – actions
R – reaction of others




 Self-Assessment

How much can you infer about a shopper (indirectly) from his or her financial records?

Make a reasonable guess about two fictional characters, Wei and Shin, based on evidence from their financial records.  Click here to view their financial records.


Identifying Character Traits

People often use character and personality interchangeably. However, they are two distinct components that make up who you are. Your personality is shaped by your behaviour and is more visable because it is represented through your actions. Your character is shaped by your values and beliefs and is often described through adjectives because they are describing you, a person. As you grow up and mature, your character shifts and changes, influencing your personality. For example, as a five year-old child, you may have had an outgoing and energetic personality and valued presents at Christmastime. Now, you may be more reserved because you've matured and perhaps your values have shifted to value being with family during the holidays rather than gifts.

Character traits define your personality and your underlying values and beliefs. They are actions, attitudes, and behaviours you possess.




 Self-Assessment

Click here to see a list of sample character traits.



  Please contact your teacher if you have questions.