Reading Comprehension:
Inference and Generalizations

GOAL:

To learn how to infer and generalize about information read.

OBJECTIVES:

The student will be able to:

1. Define inference and generalization.

2. Explain how inference and generalizations can aid in reading comprehension.

3. Demonstrate reading comprehension skills by correctly completing activities provided.

ENERGY OBJECTIVES:

The student will be able to:

1. Describe heat gains and losses around windows and doors.

2. Describe how proper window and door installation can decrease energy waste.

LESSON INFORMATION:

As described in the previous lesson, reading is not successful unless comprehension occurs. Comprehension means that you have read, understood, remembered, and can use the information that has been presented.

Some students answer questions easily when the information being sought is directly found in the reading material. Some questions, however, ask for information that is only implied in the material. A conclusion that is drawn from the information read is called an inference. Answering a question that requires an inference is difficult. It requires careful reading and logical thinking. See Example 1.

Example 1 -

When installing windows and doors in your home, creating an air tight seal between the window or door frame and the exterior wall is especially important. An unsealed area will allow air to infiltrate the home. This untreated air will cause the air conditioner to work harder in the summer months and the heater to work harder in the winter months. This will use excess energy and cause higher utility bills.

One of the inferences that can be made from this information is as follow:

Air infiltration around windows and doors can lead to higher utility bills.

ACTIVITY D-1:

Read the paragraphs below and the inferences that follow. Check off the inferences that can be logically concluded from the information in the paragraph.

Up to 40% of heating and cooling needs in the home are due to air exchange. In the winter, heat losses occur when heated air leaks out of the house. Energy must then be spent warming the cool air that replaces it. In the summer, heat gains occur when warm air leaks into the house; thus, more money is then spent on cooling costs.

One area of the house that may allow up to 17% of this unwanted air infiltration is around windows and doors. Energy waste can be cut by the proper installation of windows and doors.

_____1. Air infiltration around windows and doors adds about $40 to each month's utility bill.

_____2. Homeowners can save on their utility bills by reducing infiltration around windows and doors.

_____3. Additional air infiltration occurs around chimneys, electrical outlets, and light switches.

_____4. Infiltration is a problem in both the summer and the winter.

_____5. Over half of heating and cooling needs are not due to air exchange.

Inferring requires that you make logical conclusions from information given. This requires careful reading and organization of ideas presented.

Another skill that is helpful in reading comprehension is the development of generalizations. A generalization states an idea that is true for all information presented. All information presented in the paragraph supports this generalization. It is sometimes helpful to write a generalization after reading a paragraph to summarize the information. See Example 2.

Example 2 -

Weatherstripping is a material that can be placed around the moving parts of windows and doors so that they will close more tightly and prevent heat losses or gains. One way the weatherstripping may be purchased is as a self-adhesive foam tape. Another type is the vinyl weatherstrip which can be screwed or stapled into place.

A generalization that can be made regarding this paragraph is as follows: Self-adhesive or vinyl weatherstripping can be placed around windows and doors to ensure tight closure and to prevent heat losses or gains.

ACTIVITY R-1:

Read the following paragraphs. Write a generalization after each that summarizes the information presented.

Caulking is a soft, semi-solid material that can be used to seal cracks around windows and doors. Caulking should be resilient and allow movement between the window or door frame and surrounding material without cracking or allowing infiltration.

Generalization 1:

Caulking these cracks or joints is important. The materials of the window and door frames or the openings may swell or contract under varying weather conditions. Caulking seals these cracks with a pliable material that "moves" with the changes in the materials.

Generalization 2:

ACTIVITY R-2:

Read these paragraphs and then identify the following statements with an "I" for inference or a "G" for generalization. Remember an inference is a logical conclusion whereas a generalization is more of a summary type statement.

Caulking is fairly easy to install as the material can be purchased for use in a caulking gun. The tip of the caulking tube should be placed at a 45° angle to the crack, and then the caulking material can be squeezed into place.

_____1. Caulking is easily installed by squeezing the material through the tip of the gun at a 45° angle.

_____2. The caulking gun is a great tool as it can help place the caulking material in the exact location desired.

The caulking is squeezed into place as a bead of about 1/4" to 1/2". When purchasing caulking, the container will list how much caulking is inside by explaining how many linear feet of a certain sized bead it will make.

_____3. A label on the caulking container will state how many feet of a specific size bead the container can produce.

_____4. A container that states it can produce 100 linear feet of 1/2" bead can also produce 200 linear feet of 1/4" bead.

Among the most important caulking procedures include:

- Removing any old caulking material.

- Cleaning area of grease and dirt.

- Applying caulking to a solid, dry surface.

- Using enough caulking to fill the crack.

- Following manufacturer's instructions for installation.

_____5. Applying caulking to an area that contains old caulking material, dirt, or grease will not be very successful.

_____6. It is important to apply adequate caulking to a clean, dry area and to follow manufacturer's instructions.

Caulking is not only used around windows and doors. Examine this figure to see other areas of the home where caulking might be useful.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Manual for Building Energy Efficient Homes in Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Baton Rouge, LA, 1983.

Caulking and Weatherstripping. SLEMCO, Lafayette, LA, n.d.

INFORMATION CHECK

1. Compare and contrast the terms "inference" and "generalization."

2. Read the following paragraph. Write a generalization that summarizes the information. Draw an inference regarding the energy savings from proper window and door installation.

Up to 50% of the average utility bill is spent on heating and cooling. If unwanted air infiltrates the home through cracks around windows and doors, this percentage may increase. While it may cost a bit to purchase and install such items as caulking and weatherstripping, this amount will quickly be recovered in lower monthly utility bills.

Generalization:

Inference:

True / False

_____1. Heat losses occur when summer heat fails to come into the house.

_____2. The main objective when installing windows and doors should be an airtight seal between the window or door and the frame.

_____3. Weatherstripping is often used to seal windows and doors; you may purchase it in adhesive form.

_____4. Caulking is also an adhesive; peel off the backing and install in cracks around doors and windows.

_____5. Caulking is usually purchased by the linear feet of bead it can produce.

_____6. Caulking can also be done around chimney joints, wall joints, wood gutters, and air conditioner seams.

TEACHER'S NOTES

Activity D-1:

1. no

2. yes

3. no

4. yes

5. yes

Activity R-1:

Answers will vary. Some may be as follows:

1. Caulking is a resilient, semi-solid material that call seal cracks around window and door joints and frames.

2. Caulking fills joints around windows and doors that swell or contract under varying weather conditions.

Activity R-2:

1. G

2. I

3. G

4. I

5. I

6. G

Answers to Information Check:

1. Both generalizations and inferences may be made about information presented in a paragraph. Generalizations can be thought of as summary statements of the paragraph. They summarize the information directly stated. Inferences, on the other hand, make a logical conclusion from the information given. Inferences are not directly stated.

2. Answers will vary. Some may be as follows:

- Generalization: Caulking and weatherstripping may cost a bit to install but the reduction in infiltration will reduce your monthly utility bills.

- Inference: By installing windows and doors properly to reduce infiltration, you will also reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home.

True / False

1. F

2. T

3. T

4. F

5. T

6. T

Comments or questions to: TechAsmt@LA.GOV

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