
Inferential questions are often used in reading comprehension tests. These questions do not have a direct answer within the text but have answers which may be inferred from clues within the text. Inferential questions differ from literal questions, which have clear and correct answers which can be found within the text.
- Answers can never be found directly from the passage.
- Need to arrive at your answer by using clues from the text.
- Questions could ask about the meaning of a word, a phrase, a sentence or a paragraph.
What are some comprehension strategies?
General Strategies for Reading Comprehension
- Using Prior Knowledge/Previewing. When students preview text, they tap into what they already know that will help them to understand the text they are about to read.
- Predicting. ...
- Identifying the Main Idea and Summarization. ...
- Questioning. ...
- Making Inferences. ...
- Visualizing. ...
What are the different types of comprehension strategies?
The main strategies generally viewed as supporting comprehension are:
- activating and using prior knowledge to make connections
- predicting
- visualising
- asking and answering questions
- summarising
- synthesising
- identifying literal, inferential and evaluative levels of comprehension
- critical thinking.
What are the 3 levels of reading comprehension?
- identifying a statement or sentence that best indicates the main idea of the selection
- identifying directly-stated facts (e.g., important research data)
- identifying details such as key words, phrases or sentences that explicitly state important information
- identifying directly-stated opinions
What is the meaning of the word inferential?
in·fer·en·tial. (ĭn′fə-rĕn′shəl) adj. 1. Of, relating to, or involving inference. 2. Derived or capable of being derived by inference.

Why are inferential questions so tough?
Inferential questions are tougher to answer because they can have more than one correct answer. In reading comprehension exercises, answers to inferential questions cannot be found in the text, but they are supported by evidence in the text. Answers to inferential questions shed light on why and how. It is important to consider what can be inferred ...
What are some examples of literal questions?
Examples include: "What time does the concert start?" "What size do you wear?" "What references did you use to write your paper?" "Who was the protagonist in the story?" "How many inches are in a foot?" Asking literal questions gives you a deeper, richer understanding of new material. Learning is more difficult if you don't have a solid foundation upon which to build.
Why is asking literal questions important?
Asking literal questions is the starting point for understanding what is being communicated. You cannot effectively respond or evaluate an argument until you objectively determine the facts, which gives you context for understanding the big picture.
Is there always one correct answer to a literal question?
Answers to literal questions are always facts, and there is always one correct answer. In reading comprehension exercises, answers to literal questions can always be found in the text. Answers to literal questions might shed light on the who, what, where and when.
How many half page task cards are there for inferential comprehension?
Literal Vs. Inferential Comprehension Use these 18 half page task cards to help your students understand the difference between literal and inferential questions. Each card includes a high interest passage and 4 questions, which students identify as literal or inferential and then answer. Check out
What is reading comprehension?
This reading comprehension is about a topic that middle/high schoolers will find relevant to their own lives: Instagram. The questions require students to make inferences about the text. Hope you find this helpful!
What are the three types of questions that students will see on most reading comprehension assessments or standardized state tests?
This resource outlines the three types of questions that students will see on most reading comprehension assessments or standardized state tests - literal, inferential, and critical questions . There is also a sample reading passage with three multiple choice questions and one open ended question to
What is inferential meaning?
Inferential Meaning. Inferential meaning involves determining what the text means. You start with the stated information. This information is then used to determine deeper meaning that is not explicitly stated. Determining inferential meaning requires you to think about the text and draw a conclusion.
What are the levels of comprehension?
Reading comprehension involves three levels of understanding: literal meaning, inferential meaning, and evaluative meaning. This lesson will differentiate and define these three levels. Updated: 05/11/2020
What are the three levels of understanding?
This is a complex process with three levels of understanding: literal meaning, inferential meaning, and evaluative meaning. Literal meaning is what the text describes as happening in the story. This level of understanding provides the foundation for more advanced comprehension. Inferential meaning involves taking the information provided in ...
How many levels of reading comprehension are there?
Now that you've learned about three levels of reading comprehension, you're ready to put those into practice! Read the following continuation of Billy's story from the lesson, and then answer the questions that follow.
What should you be able to do as you complete the lesson?
Learning Outcomes. As you complete the lesson, you should be able to: Explain what reading comprehension is. Understand the importance of reading comprehension. Describe the kinds of information you get from literal, inferential and evaluative meaning.
What is inferencing in math?
Remember, inferencing is about reading between the lines.
Why is inferencing important?
Mastering your inferencing skills is a great place to start because making inferences is an integral part of understanding what you're reading. Inferences, or evidence-based conclusions about a text, help to unlock meaning and clarify what's happening in a passage. Always using evidence to support your reasoning, ...
Why is inference different for everyone?
This is because when it comes to drawing conclusions, there isn't really a "right answer".
What is considered correct if you are asked a question about a text you've read thoroughly?
If you are asked a question about a text that you've read thoroughly, just about any inference you make, as long as it is supported by evidence and answers the question in its entirety, can be considered correct.
What grade level should I use for the eighth inference worksheet?
This one is double-sided and contains ten inference questions. Students read the passages, answer the questions, and support their responses with text. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
Why do students have to explain their answers?
Having students explain their answers helps to slow them down. It makes them think about what they are doing. Also, open-ended questions make it easier for the teacher to identify when students are copying.
