ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension

ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension focuses on developing critical reading skills through diverse texts and comprehension strategies.

Understanding Main Ideas and DetailsMaking Inferences and Drawing ConclusionsUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and ToneIdentifying Organizational StructureEvaluating Arguments and Evidence
Applying Critical Reading to Everyday LifeEffective Note-Taking for ReadingReading for Research and Projects
Previewing the PassageProcess of Elimination
Understanding Main I...Making Inferences an...Understanding Vocabu...Analyzing Author’s P...Identifying Organiza...Evaluating Arguments...Applying Critical Re...Effective Note-Takin...Reading for Research...Previewing the Passa...Process of Eliminati...
Basic Concepts

Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions

Reading Between the Lines

Sometimes, authors don't tell you everything directly. You have to use clues from the text and what you already know to figure things out. This is called making inferences.

How to Make an Inference

  • Combine what the passage says with your own knowledge.
  • Ask, “What can I guess is true, even if it isn’t stated?”
  • Look for hints in the language, tone, and context.

Drawing Conclusions

Drawing a conclusion means putting together all the clues and coming up with a logical answer or idea.

Everyday Inferences

We use inferences all the time! If you see someone carrying an umbrella, you might infer it’s going to rain.

Practice Tip

On the ISEE, try to find the answer that is supported by the passage, even if it’s not directly stated.

Examples

  • A story mentions a character shivering and wrapping in a scarf. You infer that the weather is cold.

  • A passage says a student stayed late to ask questions about homework. You conclude the student cares about doing well in school.

In a Nutshell

Use clues and prior knowledge to figure out what the author doesn’t say directly.

Next
Understanding Vocabulary in Context