Reading Comprehension and Inferring: Year 3 Study Guide
Good readers do more than read the words. They think about what the author is telling and what they are hinting.
Comprehension means understanding what you read. There are three levels of questions. Literal questions have answers that are stated directly in the text. Inferential questions need you to read between the lines. Evaluative questions ask what you think about the text and why.
In Year 3 you read a wide range of texts, such as stories, information reports, procedures and poems, and you explain how the structure helps the reader.
Inferring
An inference is a conclusion based on evidence plus what you already know. If a story says, Zara pulled on her gumboots and grabbed her umbrella, you can infer it is raining or about to rain, even though the word 'rain' is not there. To make an inference, find the clue, add your own knowledge, and make a sensible conclusion.
| Clue in the text | What I already know | Inference |
|---|---|---|
| Zara grabbed an umbrella | Umbrellas are used in rain | It is raining |
| Tom yawned and rubbed his eyes | People do this when tired | Tom is sleepy |
| The dog wagged its tail by the door | Dogs wag when happy or waiting | The dog wants to go out |
Text types and their jobs
A narrative entertains with characters, a problem and a solution. An information report gives facts with headings, diagrams and glossary words. A procedure explains how to do something, with a goal, materials and numbered steps. A persuasive text tries to convince the reader. Knowing the type tells you what to look for.
Strategies good readers use
Use the title and cover to guess what will happen.
Make a picture in your mind.
Ask 'who, what, where, why?' as you read.
Retell the main points in your own words.
Worked example and common mistakes
Text: Kai kicked the football over the fence. His shoulders slumped. He walked slowly to the neighbour's gate. Why does Kai walk slowly? Evidence: shoulders slumped. Inference: he is worried or disappointed about going to get the ball. A common mistake is to guess without evidence. Always point to the words that led you there. Another is to give an answer that is true in general but not in this text.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Mum is running late or expecting visitors. The clues are looking at the clock and tidying quickly. 2. A procedure tells the reader how to do or make something in the right order. 3. Look back at your prediction and say what in the story supported or changed it.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Literal answers are in the text; inferences use clues plus knowledge.
- Different text types have different structures and purposes.
- Predicting, visualising, questioning and summarising help understanding.
- Support answers with evidence from the text.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Write an inference from: 'Mum looked at the clock and started to tidy up quickly.'
- What is the purpose of a procedure text?
- Choose a book you have read. What did you predict, and were you right?