Inference and deduction are critical skills for the 11+ English exam, enabling students to draw logical conclusions and understand implied meanings within a text. This set of 20 questions is designed to help students practice and enhance their inference and deduction abilities, essential for achieving success in the 11+ assessment.
Sample Example
Question:
Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
Passage:
Sarah glanced at her watch and saw that it was nearly lunchtime. She hurriedly packed her books into her bag, hoping to reach the cafeteria before the rush began.
Question:
What can be inferred about Sarah’s morning before this passage?
Answer:
Sarah was likely busy with her morning activities, possibly classes or other commitments, causing her to be concerned about reaching the cafeteria before lunchtime rush.
Questions
1. Making Inferences from Context
Read the sentence and infer what the character might be feeling.
Sentence:
John stared out the window, watching the rain pour down without a hint of a smile.
2. Deduction from Actions
Based on the passage, deduce why Emma brought an umbrella to school.
Passage:
Emma zipped up her coat and grabbed her umbrella before leaving the house, even though the sky was clear.
3. Inferring Character Traits
What can be inferred about Tom based on his behaviour in the following sentence?
Sentence:
Tom meticulously arranged his pencils by colour every morning before class.
4. Deduction from Dialogue
What can you deduce about the relationship between the two speakers?
Dialogue:
A: “Can you help me with my homework tonight?”
B: “Sure, I’d love to. It’s been a while since we worked together.”
5. Inference from Setting
What can be inferred about the setting from the description below?
Description:
The old library was quiet, with rows of towering bookshelves and the faint smell of aged paper in the air.
6. Deduction from Consequences
What can be deduced happened after the following event?
Event:
Lucy forgot to water her plants for a week.
7. Inferring from Titles
Based on the title “The Mysterious Island,” what can be inferred about the story?
8. Deduction from Sequence of Events
What can you deduce about Mark’s morning routine?
Passage:
Mark woke up at six o’clock, went for a jog, had breakfast, and then left for school.
9. Inferring from Tone
What is the likely tone of the passage below, and what does it suggest about the narrator’s feelings?
Passage:
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the surprise party my friends had organised for me.”
10. Deduction from Problem-Solution
What can be deduced about the outcome based on the problem and solution presented?
Passage:
The town faced severe water shortages. To address this, they implemented a strict water conservation plan.
11. Inferring Motives
Why did Anna decide to stay after school, based on the sentence?
Sentence:
Anna stayed after school to finish her art project, even though she was tired.
12. Deduction from Limited Information
What can you deduce about the character from the following information?
Information:
Ben always arrives at school with a backpack full of books and never misses a day.
13. Inferring from Indirect Statements
What can be inferred from the statement below?
Statement:
“It’s getting late,” said Mr. Brown, glancing at his watch.
14. Deduction from Cause and Effect
What can be deduced about the relationship between the cause and effect in the passage?
Passage:
Because the team practiced every day, they won the championship.
15. Inferring from Reactions
What can be inferred about Mia’s reaction to the news?
Sentence:
Mia’s eyes widened, and she let out a gasp when she heard the announcement.
16. Deduction from Implied Information
What can be deduced about the weather based on the following sentence?
Sentence:
The streets were empty, and everyone was bundled up in heavy coats.
17. Inferring from Contradictions
What can you infer from the contradictory statements below?
Dialogue:
A: “I love waking up early for school.”
B: “Really? I always find it so hard to get out of bed.”
18. Deduction from Comparisons
What can be deduced about the two characters based on their comparison?
Sentence:
Unlike his brother, who is outgoing and talkative, Sam is quiet and prefers reading alone.
19. Inferring from Descriptive Clues
What can be inferred about the main character’s personality?
Description:
Lily always helps her classmates with their work and never complains, even when she has a lot to do.
20. Deduction from Unspoken Information
What can you deduce about the situation when someone says, “I guess I’ll just wait here then”?
Answers
- Inference: John is likely feeling sad or disappointed, as he is watching the rain without smiling.
- Deduction: Emma anticipated that it might rain later, so she brought her umbrella despite the clear sky.
- Inference: Tom is organised and pays attention to detail, showing he is meticulous and perhaps perfectionistic.
- Deduction: The speakers are friends or acquaintances who have not worked together in some time and are happy to collaborate.
- Inference: The setting is an old, possibly historic library that is calm and filled with many books, suggesting a quiet, studious environment.
- Deduction: After forgetting to water her plants for a week, Lucy’s plants likely wilted or showed signs of needing water.
- Inference: The story will involve an island with mysterious elements, possibly including secrets, adventures, or unexplained phenomena.
- Deduction: Mark has a structured and disciplined morning routine that includes exercise, a healthy breakfast, and punctuality for school.
- Inference: The tone is one of surprise and joy, suggesting the narrator feels happy and grateful for the surprise party.
- Deduction: The strict water conservation plan likely helped alleviate the town’s water shortages.
- Inference: Anna is dedicated and committed to her work, showing perseverance despite feeling tired.
- Deduction: Ben is responsible, diligent, and values education, as evidenced by his preparedness and attendance.
- Inference: Mr. Brown is likely indicating that time is running out or that it’s time to leave, suggesting urgency.
- Deduction: The team’s consistent practice led to their success in winning the championship.
- Inference: Mia was surprised and excited by the news, as shown by her widened eyes and gasp.
- Deduction: The weather is likely cold, as indicated by the heavy coats and empty streets.
- Inference: There is a difference in their preferences or personalities; one enjoys early mornings while the other struggles with waking up.
- Deduction: Sam is introverted and enjoys solitary activities, contrasting with his outgoing and talkative brother.
- Inference: Lily is compassionate, helpful, and selfless, indicating she is kind-hearted and considerate.
- Deduction: The speaker is in a situation where they have no other options or decisions to make, possibly indicating resignation or acceptance to wait.
These questions and answers are crafted to help students develop their inference and deduction skills, enabling them to read between the lines and understand deeper meanings within texts. Mastery of these skills is essential for excelling in the 11+ English exam.
