Inference - to make a logical guess using text evidence and background knowledge
1. Often readers must infer, or make a logical guess about the theme of a text. Some authors hint to the theme in a title. Read the title of the poem. What do you think the poem is about?

Read the following excerpt from f. scott fitzgerald's the great gatsbyin the ditch beside the road, right side up, but violentlyshorn of one wheel, rested a new coupé which had leftgatsby's drive not two minutes before. the sharp jut of awall accounted for the detachment of the wheel, whichwas now getting considerable attention from half a dozencurious chauffeurs. however, as they had left their carsblocking the road, a harsh, discordant din from those in therear had been audible for some time, and added to thealready violent confusion of the scene.which statement provides the best analysis of the symbolism in thepassage? a. the phrase "discordant din" echoes the theme of disillusionment.b. the words "violent confusion" convey the abandonment of theamerican dreamc. the cars suggest the carelessness and recklessness of the upperclassd. the ditch represents the moral decay that was occurring inamerica at the time.