ISEE Lower Level Reading Comprehension

Learn how to understand, analyze, and answer questions about reading passages for the ISEE Lower Level exam.

Finding the Main IdeaUnderstanding DetailsFiguring Out Vocabulary in Context
Making InferencesUnderstanding Author’s PurposeComparing and Contrasting Information
Applying Reading Comprehension to Everyday LifeUsing Context Clues in Daily ConversationsRecognizing Main Ideas in Media
Read the Questions FirstEliminate Wrong AnswersCheck Your Answers
Finding the Main Ide...Understanding Detail...Figuring Out Vocabul...Making InferencesUnderstanding Author...Comparing and Contra...Applying Reading Com...Using Context Clues ...Recognizing Main Ide...Read the Questions F...Eliminate Wrong Answ...Check Your Answers
Advanced Topics

Making Inferences

What is an Inference?

An inference is a smart guess you make based on clues in the passage and what you already know. The author might not say something directly, but you can figure it out!

How to Make Inferences

  • Look for clues. Think about what the author says and what's left unsaid.
  • Use your own knowledge. Combine the information in the passage with what you know from real life.

Why is This Skill Useful?

Making inferences helps you become a better reader and understand stories or articles on a deeper level.

Practice

Try reading a mystery story and guessing who did it before the end!

Examples

  • If a passage says, 'Sally put on her rain boots and grabbed an umbrella,' you can infer that it's raining outside.

  • If a character is yawning and rubbing their eyes, you might infer they are tired.

In a Nutshell

Making inferences means using clues to figure out what the author doesn't say directly.

Key Terms

Inference
A logical guess based on evidence and reasoning.
Imply
To suggest something without stating it directly.
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Understanding Author’s Purpose