Five Steps to Make an Inference

PROMPT
Follow the five steps to make an inference.
1. Read the nonfiction article "Emma Edmonds: Master of Disguise," about a Civil War spy.
2. Read the question: "Why was Emma Edmonds a successful spy?"
3. List relevant details from the text on the green side of the chart below.
4. Look for patterns or relationships. Note them on the yellow side of the chart.
5. Determine what these details and observations mean. This is your inference.
Emma Edmonds as Frank Tho
Question: Why was Emma Edmonds a successful spy?
Before answering this question, fill in the chart below.
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Details from the Text ("Reading Voice")
My Observations ("Thinking Voice")

1 answer

Here’s a way to fill out the chart based on the nonfiction article "Emma Edmonds: Master of Disguise."

Details from the Text ("Reading Voice")

  1. Emma Edmonds adopted various identities, including that of a man named Frank Thompson.
  2. She was skilled at disguises and could convincingly alter her appearance and behavior.
  3. Her knowledge of military procedures and tactics helped her gather crucial information.
  4. Edmonds was brave and willing to take risks, often venturing into enemy territory.
  5. She had the ability to blend into different environments, allowing her to gather intelligence without attracting suspicion.

My Observations ("Thinking Voice")

  1. The ability to adopt various identities shows her adaptability, which is essential for espionage.
  2. Her skills in disguise indicate a high level of creativity and strategic thinking, making her less likely to be recognized or captured.
  3. Understanding military tactics gave her insider knowledge and made her intelligence more valuable.
  4. Her bravery highlights her commitment to the cause, which likely motivated her to pursue dangerous missions.
  5. Blending into different environments suggests that she had a strong awareness of her surroundings and social dynamics, which is critical for a spy.

Inference

Emma Edmonds was a successful spy because of her exceptional skills in disguise and adaptability, her bravery in taking significant risks, and her knowledge of military strategies. These qualities allowed her to gather valuable intelligence without being detected, making her contributions to the war effort especially impactful.