Inference

Texts sometimes start with information and ideas that are the opposite of what the text is really about.

Ahmed usually loved playing soccer. Frantically chasing an opponent to try to get the ball back into his possession filled him with excitement. He was thrilled when he saw the ball coming towards him and would race to get it. He enjoyed swerving and ducking to keep the ball and looking for that chance to drive it closer to his goal. But, today his heart was just not in it. He was playing for his school against Lower Valley School. His team was nearly ready to go on.

q1) How does Ahmed feels about playing soccer against Lower Valley School.

q2) Explain the meaning of the figurative expression of ‘his heart not being in it’.

q3) Identify the main clues to this comparison between Ahmed’s general feeling and his feeling right now. For example, the word ‘usually’ (in the first sentence) is one clue. The writer is flagging that there are times when Ahmed does not love soccer.

q4)  Think of replacements for the word ‘but’ that will also show that the author is changing the direction or meaning of the text. For example: however, sometimes, in spite of this, occasionally, all the same, although, on rare occasions.

q5) Rewrite the sentence ‘But, today his heart was just not in it’, using one of the examples or creating a new one. For example:

  • On rare occasions his heart was not in it and today was one of them.
  • It had happened once before that his heart was not in it and now it was happening again.

46 thoughts on “Inference

  1. 2) ‘His heart was not on to it” means that he did not feel like playing soccer and that he was not excited and willing as he usually is.

  2. 3. Try is one clue because he doesn’t always get the ball.
    Enjoyed because he liked doing only when he had a chance.

  3. 3) try because he doesn’t always have the ball.
    Enjoyed because he only wanted to play sometimes

  4. 3) The main clues are (as mentioned) usually, but today (which means that this time is different than usual) and his heart was just not in it which indicates that he is not his usual self.

  5. 2. the meaning of he’s heart not being in the game means that he just did not get the same feeling that he does from playing more skilled players

  6. 5. his heart just stoped for a second and then he started to think then he said to himself I just don’t want to play today

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