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Sequence & Inference

Grade 5 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-1TE4JK9-1WPF

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1.Read: “Two teams tested paper airplanes. One changed the wing shape; the other changed both the wings and the paper weight, making its results harder to explain.” What happened first, and what can you infer?
2.Read: “The council's first traffic plan shortened car trips but removed a busy crosswalk. After residents objected, the revision restored the crossing and added a protected turn lane.” What happened first, and what can you infer?
3.Read: “The creek looked shallow near the bank but deepened toward the center. Maya used the marked bridge posts instead of guessing the water level.” What happened first, and what can you infer?
4.Read: “A museum displayed a sailor's diary beside a modern historian's article. The diary captured firsthand feelings, while the article connected records from many sources.” What happened first, and what can you infer?
5.Read: “One article called the new park expensive, while another emphasized cleaner air and cooler streets. The budget showed high initial costs but lower maintenance expenses over time.” What happened first, and what can you infer?
6.Read: “The town planted native grasses beside the river. Their deep roots held soil during storms, and the water became less muddy.” What happened first, and what can you infer?
7.Read: “The first model predicted flooding from rainfall alone. A revised model also included soil saturation and paved surfaces, and its predictions matched later storms more closely.” What happened first, and what can you infer?
8.Read: “Solar panels produced the most electricity at midday, but household use peaked after sunset. A battery stored the midday surplus for evening use.” What happened first, and what can you infer?

Answers and teaching notes

Use the answers to check the work after the learner finishes. For writing prompts, the guide describes what a strong response should include.

Show answers for version 8
  1. Read: “Two teams tested paper airplanes. One changed the wing shape; the other changed both the wings and the paper weight, making its results harder to explain.” What happened first, and what can you infer?Both teams prepared paper-airplane tests. Inference: The first team's evidence was easier to interpret.
  2. Read: “The council's first traffic plan shortened car trips but removed a busy crosswalk. After residents objected, the revision restored the crossing and added a protected turn lane.” What happened first, and what can you infer?The council proposed its first traffic plan. Inference: The revision tried to balance safety and travel time.
  3. Read: “The creek looked shallow near the bank but deepened toward the center. Maya used the marked bridge posts instead of guessing the water level.” What happened first, and what can you infer?Maya observed the creek. Inference: The creek's appearance could be misleading.
  4. Read: “A museum displayed a sailor's diary beside a modern historian's article. The diary captured firsthand feelings, while the article connected records from many sources.” What happened first, and what can you infer?The museum placed two sources together. Inference: Using both sources could create a fuller account.
  5. Read: “One article called the new park expensive, while another emphasized cleaner air and cooler streets. The budget showed high initial costs but lower maintenance expenses over time.” What happened first, and what can you infer?Two articles presented different views of the park. Inference: Neither headline alone captured the entire tradeoff.
  6. Read: “The town planted native grasses beside the river. Their deep roots held soil during storms, and the water became less muddy.” What happened first, and what can you infer?The town planted grasses beside the river. Inference: Less soil washed into the river.
  7. Read: “The first model predicted flooding from rainfall alone. A revised model also included soil saturation and paved surfaces, and its predictions matched later storms more closely.” What happened first, and what can you infer?Researchers tested a rainfall-only model. Inference: Soil and pavement affect how quickly water runs off.
  8. Read: “Solar panels produced the most electricity at midday, but household use peaked after sunset. A battery stored the midday surplus for evening use.” What happened first, and what can you infer?The panels produced extra midday electricity. Inference: Without storage, some midday energy might be unused.

Worked example

Put stated events in order, then combine clues with what you already know.

Common mistake

Treating a guess as an inference without citing a clue.

Helpful hint

Find the clue that makes your inference reasonable.