Learning to infer...

We infer to get more informatino from a source. We ask QUESTIONS about the OBVIOUS information we obtain from the source.

To infer is use the given clues/information to make GUESSES about an event/issue when the answer is not obvious.

For example...

Refer to your workbook, pg 28.

The source is about...

A Shang bronze axehead, with inscriptions on both sides, found in the Yellow River Valley.

So what are the obvious information?

It came from the Shang Dynasty, it is bronze, it is an axehead, there are inscriptions on both side of it and it was found in the Yellow River.

So what inferences can we make?

The bronze axehead was probably used as a tool for chopping or as a weapon.

The Shang people made use of tools to help them in their work and as weapons to defend themselves.