ACT Compass Reading

ACT Compass Reading focuses on enhancing reading comprehension skills essential for academic success.

Understanding Main Ideas and ThemesIdentifying Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Understanding Author’s Purpose and ToneAnalyzing Text StructureEvaluating Arguments and Evidence
Interpreting Everyday TextsComprehending Informational TextsApplying Critical Reading to Digital Media
Time Management for the Reading SectionUsing Process of EliminationActive Reading Techniques
Understanding Main I...Identifying Supporti...Making InferencesUnderstanding Author...Analyzing Text Struc...Evaluating Arguments...Interpreting Everyda...Comprehending Inform...Applying Critical Re...Time Management for ...Using Process of Eli...Active Reading Techn...
Basic Concepts

Making Inferences

Reading Between the Lines

Inferences are conclusions you make using clues from the text plus your own knowledge. It’s like being a detective—piecing together what’s not directly stated.

How to Infer

  1. Gather clues: Look for hints in the words and actions.
  2. Use your experience: Think about what you already know.
  3. Draw a conclusion: Combine the clues and your knowledge to figure out something new.

Inferences in Everyday Life

You make inferences all the time, like guessing someone’s mood by their tone of voice. The same skill helps you answer tricky reading questions.

Examples

  • A passage describes a character shivering and looking for a coat; you infer it’s cold.

  • The author mentions a crowd cheering as a runner crosses the finish line; you infer the runner won the race.

In a Nutshell

Making inferences means figuring out hidden meanings using clues in the text.

Next
Understanding Author’s Purpose and Tone