Skill focus: Making inferences A busy morning

“Ouc!” screamed Toby. Fearfully, I ran into the living room to

see Toby lying on the hard, wooden floor, tears rolling down his

chubby, little cheeks. Behind me, I heard my mum walk into the

room.

“What have you been doing to Toby?!” she shouted, her face turning

a deep red. “Go upstairs; I haven’t got time for this today.”

“But-“ I started to explain.

“Upstairs. NOW,” Mum ordered. “And finish your packing, we need to

leave for the airport in 20 minutes.”

I stomped resentfully up the stairs to my room. It wasn’t fair!

Angrily, I started throwing things into my suitcase: sunglasses, a

swimming costume, shorts, flip-flops.

1. How is Mum feeling when she walks into the room? How can you tell?

2. What does Mum think has happened and why?

3. What do you think the relationship is between Toby and the narrator?

4. Why do you think Mum says “I haven’t got time for this today”? What is

she getting ready for?

5. Where do you think the family might be going?

6. Explain what clues there are to suggest where the family are going.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.