Final answer:
To develop students’ ability to make inferences, the best activity is Making conclusions based on careful observations, as it directly involves analyzing observed details to reach deeper, logical understandings.
Step-by-step explanation:
An English teacher wants to encourage students to develop their skills in making inferences. Making inferences involves reaching conclusions by applying logic to evidence and is a critical skill in comprehending and engaging with texts.
Of the activities listed, A. Making conclusions based on careful observations will best promote the ability to make inferences. This activity most directly involves the process of making inferences by which students take observed details and logically piece together a deeper understanding that isn't explicitly stated. For example, noticing that someone has a tan and inferring they have been traveling in sunny places is an inference based on observation.
While the other options involve analytical skills, they do not focus as directly on the inferential thought process as making observations does. Piecing together information into a cohesive whole (Option B) is related to synthesizing information, making judgments on editorial pieces (Option C) involves evaluation, and placing plot elements in order (Option D) involves comprehension of sequence but not necessarily inference.