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Name: _____________________________________________________
UNDERSTANDING INFERENTIAL QUESTIONS – “WATERFALLS”
Quick Lesson: Inference is what you use to answer an inferential question. An
inferential question can’t be answered by looking on the page. The answer is “in
your head.” You have to use your brains to figure out what’s going on and use
your experience and your common sense to answer the inferential question.
Example:
Johnny walked outside and immediately slipped and fell on the icy sidewalk.
Factual question:
Inferential question:
What did Johnny slip and fall on?
In what season did the story probably take place?
Okey-dokey. Now that you know what inference is, turn your attention to a
hugely popular song from the 1990’s, called “Waterfalls” by a group named TLC.
Read these lyrics and think about them as you read them. The line numbers will
be used for later reference.
Waterfalls (Lyrics)
TLC (1995)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A lonely mother gazing out of her window
staring at a son that she just can't touch.
If at any time he's in a jam she'll be by his side,
but he doesn't realize he hurts her so much.
But all the praying just ain't helping at all,
'cause he can't seem to keep his self out of trouble.
So, he goes out and he makes his money the best way he knows how,
another body laying cold in the gutter.
Listen to me.
1
10
11
12
13
Don't go chasing waterfalls.
Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.
I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all,
but I think you're moving too fast.
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Little precious has a natural obsession for temptation,
but he just can't see.
She gives him loving that his body can't handle,
but all he can say is, "Baby is good to me."
One day he goes and takes a glimpse in the mirror,
but he doesn't recognize his own face.
His health is fading and he doesn't know why.
Three letters took him to his final resting place.
Y'all don't hear me.
23
24
25
26
Don't go chasing waterfalls.
Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.
I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all,
but I think you're moving too fast.
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
I seen a rainbow yesterday
But too many storms have come and gone
Leavin' a trace of not one God-given ray
Is it because my life is ten shades of gray
I pray all ten fade away
Seldom praise Him for the sunny days
And like His promise is true
Only my faith can undo
The many chances I blew
To bring my life to a new
Clear blue and unconditional skies
Have dried the tears from my eyes
No more lonely cries
My only bleedin' hope
Is for the folk who can't cope
With such an endurin' pain
That it keeps 'em in the pourin' rain
2
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
Who’s to blame
For tootin' caine into your own vein
What a shame
You shoot and aim for someone else's brain
You claim the insane
And name this day in time
For falling prey to crime
I say the system got you victim to your own mind
Dreams are hopeless aspirations
In hopes of comin' true
Believe in yourself
The rest is up to me and you
56
57
58
59
Don't go chasing waterfalls.
Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.
I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all,
but I think you're moving too fast.
(repeat)
Answer the questions on the “Waterfalls – Question List”
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Name: _________________________________________________________
Waterfalls – Question List
(Refer to the “Waterfalls – Lyrics” sheet while answering these questions.)
As a class, we’re going to collaborate and answer these questions. Although we’ll
be collaborating together as a class, your work must be your own individual
writing. Be sure that your sentences are complete, grammatically correct, and
clearly express your thinking.
1. (Line 1). Why do you think the mother is “lonely”? (2 points)
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2. (Line 2). What does the expression “a son that she just can’t touch” mean?
(2 points)
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3. (Line 4). Give some examples of what sorts of things the son was doing to hurt
his mother. (2 points)
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4. (Line 8). The line says “another body laying cold in the gutter.” What are the
artists singing about? How do you think the authors of this song feel about the
condition referred to in this line? Answer both questions. (4 points)
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5. (Lines 10-13). A metaphor is when a concrete object (like a flag) represents a
bigger idea (freedom, a nation). The song references “waterfalls”, “rivers”, and
“lakes”? What do you think the authors of this song believe these items are a
metaphor for? (2 points)
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6. (Lines 14-15.) What can’t “little precious” see? (2 points)
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7. (Lines 18-21.) What is happening to “little precious”? What eventually happens
to him? (3 points)
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8. (Line 21.) What “three letters” are the artists singing about? (2 points)
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9. (Lines 14-22.) If the artists could say a sentence of advice to you, given the
context of these lines, what would the sentence be? (3 points)
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10. (Lines 27-55.) Read and think about what’s going through the mind of the
person who wrote this rap. Write about at least three themes (ideas or messages)
that exist within the words. (5 points)
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11. Why do you think the song was nominated for a Grammy award? Why do you
think people liked it so much? List at least two reasons; you can write more if you
like. (3 points)
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Total points: 30
Your points: ____________
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