STAAR EOC: Reading

The STAAR EOC: Reading subject focuses on the essential reading skills required for high school students in Texas to succeed in their End-of-Course assessments.

Basic Concepts

Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions

Reading Between the Lines

Sometimes, authors don’t say everything directly. That’s where inferences come in! Making an inference means using clues from the text plus your own knowledge to figure out what’s not directly stated.

Drawing a conclusion is similar, but it usually involves piecing together several inferences to form a bigger understanding.

How to Make Inferences

  • Look for hints or clues in the text.
  • Think about what you already know.
  • Combine both to form a new idea.

Why It’s Important

Inferences help you understand characters’ feelings, motives, and the message of the text, even when those things aren’t spelled out. Drawing conclusions lets you see the bigger picture or lesson.

Tips and Tricks

If something is confusing, reread the sentences before and after. Authors often drop subtle hints!

Real-World Application

From reading instructions to understanding conversations, making inferences helps you navigate daily life.

Examples

  • A story says, 'Sam’s umbrella was dripping when she got to class.' You can infer that it was raining outside.

  • After reading several examples of a character helping others, you can conclude that the character is kind-hearted.

In a Nutshell

Use clues and your own knowledge to figure out what’s not directly stated.