Inference skills are more complex comprehension skills. Inference means filling in what is not written on the page or working out what the author is trying to tell you using clues and evidence from the text when it is not explicitly written. Inferential comprehension requires readers to: combine ideas, interpret and evaluate information.
Ask questions about:
- how a character feels
- why a character feels a particular way
- why a character acts/behaves in a certain way (motives)
- why a character says certain things (motives)
- why a character says things in a certain way (motives)
- why a character does things in a certain way (motives)
- what a character thinks
- why a character thinks/believes/expects (etc) a certain thing
Using this type of questioning as you read pieces of text will support you to further develop this greater understanding.
Task 1 – The Race
It was the final lap of the race. The sixty-sixth lap of hair-raising, one hundred miles per hour madness. John was all set for the victory. Around the final bend he came, then bang…
Everything stopped. John could see the flashes of red, green and blue flying past and on to the finish line.
He placed his head in his hands and sighed.
How is John feeling at the end of this story?
Why would he be feeling that way?
Task 2 – Hiding Place
“10-9-8-7…”
Chelsea dived in. The material was all soft and warm but she could tell that she was very easy to spot.
“I know,” she said to herself, and climbed out of the bed to hide underneath it.
What game is Chelsea playing?
Describe Chelsea’s first hiding place.