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Literary Analysis: Infer the Main Idea
Academic Vocabulary

  • • evidence (e-vu-dents) noun Evidence is facts or information that show that something is true.

Find Meaning in Literature Even in a short story, an author has a message for the reader. Usually, the main idea isn’t directly stated. You have to infer it. Making inferences with fiction is the same as it is with nonfiction:

  • 1. Read the story and figure out the topic. Pay attention to evidence in the text that helps you understand the characters, plot, and setting.

  • 2. Think of people, places, and events like those in the story.

  • 3. Combine what you’ve read with what you know to figure out what the author means but has not directly stated.

Practice Together

Infer the Main Idea As you read the passage, combine evidence from the story with your own knowledge to infer the main idea.

“In the first place …” the man on the loudspeaker pauses and the loudspeaker starts to whine. Then static. Here comes Gretchen walking back, for she’s overshot the finish line, too. Huffing and puffing with her hands on her hips, breathing in steady time like a real pro. I sort of like her a little for the first time.

The chain shows important evidence from the passage. Add what you already know about people like Squeaky and Gretchen to infer the main idea. Why does Squeaky begin to like Gretchen?

Inference Chain

Inference Chain

Try It!

Infer the Message Reread “Raymond’s Run.” With a partner, infer the main message of the story. What does Squeaky learn at the end?