Little Learnersplay. practice. discover.Grade 9 · Reading & language
Distinguish recorded details from inferences about cause, motive or significance.
8 authored questions + worked example
The log states, “The door opened 18 times.” The writer concludes, “The room was probably busy.”
Answer: The count is an observation; the statement about busyness is an interpretation.
The count is recorded; busyness is inferred from it.
All 8 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
A map shows a route of 4 km. A visitor describes it as tiring.
An observation reports what was recorded; an interpretation explains or infers what it may mean.
Answer: The distance is mapped; tiring reports a personal response.
The response depends on experience, unlike the mapped distance.
Question 2
The transcript contains three interruptions. A commentator says the discussion felt tense.
An observation reports what was recorded; an interpretation explains or infers what it may mean.
Answer: Interruptions can be counted; tension is an interpretation of the exchange.
The count supports analysis but does not itself state a feeling.
Question 3
The log states, “The door opened 18 times.” The writer concludes, “The room was probably busy.”
An observation reports what was recorded; an interpretation explains or infers what it may mean.
Answer: The count is an observation; the statement about busyness is an interpretation.
The count is recorded; busyness is inferred from it.
Question 4
The photograph shows wet pavement. A caption suggests that rain had recently fallen.
An observation reports what was recorded; an interpretation explains or infers what it may mean.
Answer: Wet pavement is observed; recent rain is inferred.
The image shows wetness, while its cause is interpreted.
Question 5
A recorder notes that the speaker paused for six seconds. A reviewer calls the pause hesitant.
An observation reports what was recorded; an interpretation explains or infers what it may mean.
Answer: The duration is measured; hesitation is an interpretation.
Timing is observable; the quality hesitant interprets behavior.
Question 6
A tally lists 24 returned forms. A note says the topic may have attracted interest.
An observation reports what was recorded; an interpretation explains or infers what it may mean.
Answer: The form count is evidence; interest is a suggested explanation.
The count does not directly measure motive or feeling.
Question 7
The table records a plant height of 12 cm. A comment says the site seems favorable for growth.
An observation reports what was recorded; an interpretation explains or infers what it may mean.
Answer: Height is recorded; favorable conditions are an inference.
A measurement and an explanation have different roles.
Question 8
A witness says two people left before the ending. A writer suggests they may have needed to catch a bus.
An observation reports what was recorded; an interpretation explains or infers what it may mean.
Answer: Leaving early is reported; the bus explanation is speculative.
The proposed motive goes beyond the observed action.