Reading Comprehension and Inference: Year 2 Study Guide
Strong readers understand the words and think about what is not said.
Comprehension means understanding what you read. A literal question has its answer right in the text. An inferential question asks you to work something out from clues: Why do you think Tom was nervous? An evaluative question asks what you think about the text.
Year 2 readers also learn that authors write for a purpose: to entertain (stories), to inform (information texts), to persuade (advertisements) or to explain (procedures). Knowing the purpose helps in understanding the text.
Making inferences
To infer, combine clues from the text with what you already know. Nina put on her coat and hat and pulled on her gloves. We infer that it is cold. Dad opened the oven and a lovely smell filled the kitchen. We infer that something delicious is baking.
| Clue in the text | What I know | My inference |
|---|---|---|
| Sam's cheeks were wet. | People cry when sad. | Sam is sad or hurt. |
| The class cheered and clapped. | We do this when happy. | They are pleased. |
| The sky turned black and the wind howled. | These happen before a storm. | A storm is coming. |
Strategies for good readers
Use the title and picture.
Ask 'who, what, where, why?'
Make a mental picture.
How is this like something I know?
Tell the main points.
Talking about characters
Ask about feelings and choices. How does the character feel at the start and the end? What makes you think so? Would you have done the same? Australian picture books often show characters in the bush or at the beach, and these settings add meaning. Authors choose words to make readers feel something, such as 'sparkling' or 'gloomy'.
Worked example and common mistakes
Text: Mia stood at the edge of the pool. She gripped her towel and took a deep breath. Q: How does Mia feel? Nervous, because she is gripping her towel and breathing deeply. Common mistakes: guessing without using the text, and giving an answer that is true in general but not supported here. Always say I think… because the text says….
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Ben is in a hurry or running late, because he looked at the clock and grabbed his bag. 2. To explain how to make something. 3. Your answer should name the feeling and use a clue from the text with 'because'.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Literal answers are stated; inferences use clues.
- Authors write to entertain, inform, persuade or explain.
- Use clues and what you know.
- Explain your thinking with 'because'.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Infer: 'Ben looked at the clock and grabbed his bag.'
- What is the purpose of a recipe?
- Choose a character and say how they feel.