Making Inferences by Closely Observing

Norman Rockwell Paintings

What is an inference?

• A logical conclusion based on background knowledge and clues in the text. Inferences are not explicitly confirmed in the text.

More Definitions

• When you make an inference, you are making an “educated guess.”

• When you make an inference, you are “reading between the lines.”

So, if you arrive at your 4th hour English class just as the bell rings and the room is

cold, dark, and empty…what inference could you make?

• Yes, today your class is probably meeting in a different location, perhaps a lab.

What is an unsupported inference?

•A wild guess

So, if you arrive at your 4th hour English class just as the bell rings and the room is cold, dark, and empty…what unsupported

inference could you make?

• Your classmates and teacher have been abducted by aliens.

• Your classmates and teacher have gone to Jamba Juice without you.

• They are all hiding in the lab outside and are about to begin laughing hysterically at you.

NORMAN ROCKWELL—American artist (1894-1978)

This is Norman Rockwell. What do you think is the title of this painting?

Well…

Triple Self-Portrait, 1960

Here’s another self-portrait. What can you infer?

Rockwell, the artist, is searching for a subject for this magazine cover and has a pressing due date. Artist Facing Blank Canvas (Deadline), 1938

Let’s do this one together. Look closely at the picture. There are actually two pictures. What is going on in the two? List as many details as possible on the

Observation portion of your chart. Now, what can we infer from our observations?

#1

What do you think Norman Rockwell named this picture?

Going and Coming

Again, look closely. Add as many details as you can to your list of observations. What can you infer from your observations?

#2

Based on your inferences, what do you think Rockwell

named this painting?

Before the Date

Look closely. List as many details as you can. Make supported inferences!

#3

Title?

Prom Dress

Hmm. What is going on in this picture? Be careful! What do you observe?

What can you logically infer based upon your observations?

#4

Title?

Thanksgiving

What can you tell about this girl based on the picture? What can you infer?

What might be an unsupported inference?

#5

Title?

Girl With Black Eye

Look closely. What inferences can be made about this teacher and her

students?

#6

Title?

Happy Birthday Miss Jones

What supported inferences can be made from this picture? What unsupported inferences can be made?

#7

Title?

The Discovery

Norman Rockwell Paintings

Observations• American life• Kind adults• Spunky kids• Everyone is white• Big & small moments in

life• Universal experiences

Inferences• Optimistic outlook on

life• Importance/dignity of

the individual• Independent spirit• American traits of

warmth, humility, & humor