You probably figured out the lesson in “The Stork and the Watermelons” pretty quickly. However, did you notice how the story’s lesson was delivered? There isn’t one sentence that sums up its meaning for readers or listeners. Instead, you have to look at all the evidence and decide for yourself. In other words, you have to make some inferences.
When you’re reading, you make inferences based on textual evidence―the evidence found in a text, such as a story, poem, or article. Making inferences, or educated guesses, based on textual evidence is probably the most important skill for understanding literature. You use what you read and your background knowledge of the topic to make your guess. Guessing what a story means, when it isn’t stated directly, is also what makes literature fun to read: every story becomes a kind of mystery.
Use these questions to make some inferences based on the details in “The Stork and the Watermelons.” Be sure to read the feedback carefully―it will help you understand more about making inferences.
Why does the poor farmer take care of the stork?
The story does not say exactly, but readers can guess that the farmer is a good person, based on the story’s other details.
The story does not say exactly, but readers can guess that the farmer is a good person, based on the story’s other details.
The story does not say exactly, but readers can guess that the farmer is a good person, based on the story’s other details.
Why does the rich farmer take care of the stork?
The rich farmer’s actions are intended to produce a specific result―to make him ever richer. As a reader, you have to guess or infer this idea.
The rich farmer’s actions are intended to produce a specific result―to make him ever richer. As a reader, you have to guess or infer this idea.
The rich farmer’s actions are intended to produce a specific result―to make him ever richer. As a reader, you have to guess or infer this idea.
What must a reader do to understand the lesson in “The Stork and the Watermelons”?
One character’s goals and personality bring great rewards while the other character’s greed and cruelty unleash a swarm of hornets.
One character’s goals and personality bring great rewards while the other character’s greed and cruelty unleash a swarm of hornets.
One character’s goals and personality bring great rewards while the other character’s greed and cruelty unleash a swarm of hornets.
What does the rich farmer do differently than the poor farmer?
The rich farmer tries to recreate the situation that made his neighbor rich, but he uses cruelty to do it.
The rich farmer tries to recreate the situation that made his neighbor rich, but he uses cruelty to do it.
The rich farmer tries to recreate the situation that made his neighbor rich, but he uses cruelty to do it.
Why does the rich farmer invite his relatives to the watermelon harvest?
The Nobel Prize is an award given annually to recognize advancements in academic, cultural, or scientific fields.
The Nobel Prize is an award given annually to recognize advancements in academic, cultural, or scientific fields.
The Nobel Prize is an award given annually to recognize advancements in academic, cultural, or scientific fields.
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If you were able to answer most of these questions correctly, you’re already good at making inferences as you read or listen to a story. In this class, you’ll be asked to make inferences often. You’ll also learn to cite, or say, which details led you to form your ideas or opinions about a story. In other words, you’ll cite the textual evidence for your inferences.
