In comprehension instruction, which skill best supports making inferences?

• A. Rereading the same line repeatedly
• B. Skipping questions
• C. Writing a summary before reading
• D. Using text clues and prior knowledge to draw conclusions not stated directly

Answer: (D)

Inferring in reading means using clues from the text together with what you already know to figure out ideas the author hasn’t stated directly. To make an inference, you combine what you notice in the words on the page with your own knowledge to fill in gaps and draw a conclusion that isn’t explicitly written.

This is why the best skill is using text clues and prior knowledge to reach conclusions not stated outright. For example, if a character sighs, avoids eye contact, and leaves quickly, you can infer they’re upset or worried, even if the story doesn’t say it directly. You’re linking concrete clues with what you already know about signs of emotion.

Rereading the same line, skipping questions, or jotting a summary before reading don’t specifically train you to connect clues to background knowledge to infer hidden meaning, so they don’t best support making inferences.