Logic and Inferrence

TOEFL Course: Week 2MachalaPasajeArenillasSanta RosaLogic and InferenceObjectivesWe will review a biography/historical essayWe will go over questionsWe will understand what logic isWe will practice logic and inference questionsWarm-UpContext Clues!!!PutridRotten: rotten smell, trash canPredominatedLed: improving assembly line, many yearsSynergyTeamwork: children, project a huge successEntomologistExpert on insects: orFeasibleWorkable: thought it was workableCatharsisPurging: cried for a long time, good for usBiography/Historical EssaysPurpose: give information about a singular event or personNote taking: focus on the BIG happenings, datesQuestions: Fact based questions about someones life or event, also summary questionsEXAMPLE: Jim HensonLets go over the questions1. When did he start making puppets?2. What were some of the characters on Sesame Street he created?3. Why did he use puppets to engage children on Sesame Street?4. Why do you think the Muppet Show was so popular and successful?5. How did he use his ingenuity and creativity to make the world a better place?

Why was this a biographical essay?It was specificThe questions focused on Jim Hensons lifeNotes:Focus on his lifeDatesBig events: Muppets, Sesame street, etc.Quick tips on note takingWhy should we take notes?Notes allow you to refresh your mind when answering questionsTake less time because you do not have to go back to the textTIPS:Use shorthand: Henson- creator (Muppets), producer (Sesame Street), won awards (Emmy, Grammy and Peabody)Write while you read, allows you to track what you are readingWrite main pointsWhat about the logic questions?Why did he use puppets to engage children on Sesame Street?Why do you think the Muppet Show was so popular and successful?How did he use his ingenuity and creativity to make the world a better place?This is where YOU have to decide what would be the best answerWhats going on in this photo?

Whats going on in this photo?

What is an inference question?They can involveMain ideaAuthors purposeVocabularyMain ideaWhat is it?The main idea is topic, and possibly the argumentFocus of the essayHow to find it?Usually this is found in the introduction, and repeated in the conclusionSo, what is the main idea for the Jim Henson reading?

Vocabulary in contextWhat is it?These are the questions that ask you to find a synonym to the word givenThe context clues we have been working onHow to find it?Use your skills on context cluesWhat were some words you had to use the context to find the definition with the Jim Henson reading?Authors purposeWhat is it?This is the authors opinion about a subjectWhat the author wants the reader to know and feel about the subjectHow to find it?Look at the words, are they mainly negative? I.E.: are there a lot of cant or shouldntWhat does the author say in the conclusion?What did the author of the Jim Henson reading want you to feel?Strategies!!Use what you know!Most times you have experience with these questions, or inferencesWhen thinking about the authors voiceLook at the words!!! Are there more negatives (cant, shouldnt, couldnt) or positives (would, should, could, can)?Think about having a conversation with the author, what would they sound like?Read between the lines!!!People always say one thing, and want you to figure what they mean, do this!

Using your best inference strategies, make an inference about the following statements.A man ranafter a retreating bus, waving his briefcase frantically.You're driving onthe highway, listening to the radio, and a police officer pulls you over.No, Honey, Idont want you to spend a lot of money on my birthday present. Just having you for a husband is the only gift I need. In fact, Ill just drive my old rusty bucket of bolts down to the mall and buy myself a little present. And if the poor old car doesn't break down, Ill be back soon.A woman walksinto a hospital clutching her abdomen and cursing out her husband, who trails behind her carrying a large bag.Inference in practice!!!The widow Elsa was as complete a contrast to her third bridegroom, in everything but age, as can be conceived. Compelled to relinquish her first marriage after her husband died in the war, she married a man twice her years to whom she became an exemplary wife despite their having nothing in common, and by whose death she was left in possession of a splendid fortune, though she gave it away to the church. Next, a southern gentleman, considerably younger than herself, succeeded to her hand, and carried her to Charleston, where, after many uncomfortable years, she found herself again a widow. It would have been remarkable if any feeling had survived through such a life as Elsa's; it could not but be crushed and killed by the early disappointment of her first groom's demise, the icy duty of her second marriage, and the unkindness of her third husband, which had inevitably driven her to connect the idea of his death with that of her comfort.Questions????Expository essayUnderline the main points!!!!What is the tone/what does the author feel?Listening!Go to voanews.comPick a recent news article, listen, and take notesBe prepared to present to another friend!