How can making inferences be used to teach vocabulary?
Making predictions about the future is a kind of inference. Kelly Gallagher (2004, p. 204) helps students with unfamiliar vocabulary by asking them to make vocabulary "predictions." Before reading, the students are asked to make a logical guess about the meanings of five unfamiliar words. He then instructs them to take note of the words as they read to see if the context supports their predicted definition. After several readings with the teacher and collaborating with others, students can revise their vocabulary predictions.