What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Literal comprehension means finding information directly stated in the text

Inferential comprehension means reading between the lines to understand implied meaning

Making connections links the text to personal experience, other texts, or the world

Summarising identifies the most important ideas in a text

Key Vocabulary

Literal

Directly stated in the text, with no need to read between the lines

Inference

A conclusion drawn from clues in the text plus prior knowledge

Summarise

Identify and restate the most important ideas in your own words

Prior knowledge

What you already know about a topic before reading

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

What is the difference between literal and inferential comprehension?

Literal means imagining; inferential means remembering Literal means the information is directly stated; inferential means you must read between the lines Literal is harder; inferential is easier Literal uses prior knowledge; inferential uses new information

Question 2

A story says: "Maria pushed her food around the plate without eating any." What can you INFER?

Maria loves food The food is delicious Maria is not hungry, sad, or distracted The plate is very big

Question 3

When you summarise a text, you should:

Copy large sections word for word Include every detail mentioned in the text Add your own opinions and new ideas Identify and restate the most important ideas in your own words

Reading Comprehension Strategies