Inference and Prediction in Reading: Improve Your Reading Comprehension Skills

Question 1

Read the following sentence and answer the question: The boy quickly grabbed his jacket and ran out the door. What can you infer about the boy from this sentence?

Accepted Answer

He was excited to go somewhere.

Answer

He was late for school.

Answer

He was angry at his parents.

Answer

He was going to a party.

Question 2

Which of the following is a prediction you could make based on this sentence: The clouds were getting darker and darker?

Accepted Answer

It is going to rain.

Answer

The sun is going to come out.

Answer

The wind is going to start blowing.

Answer

The temperature is going to drop.

Question 3

Which of the following is a good clue to look for when making predictions about what will happen next in a story?

Accepted Answer

Foreshadowing

Answer

Flashback

Answer

Imagery

Answer

Theme

Question 4

Read the following sentence and answer the question: The dog growled at the stranger. What can you infer about the dog's feelings toward the stranger?

Accepted Answer

He is angry.

Answer

He is friendly.

Answer

He is scared.

Answer

He is curious.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a strategy for making inferences?

Accepted Answer

Making assumptions.

Answer

Looking for clues in the text.

Answer

Reading between the lines.

Answer

Using prior knowledge.

Question 6

Read this paragraph: "The girl had been saving her money for months, and she finally had enough to buy the doll she had always wanted." What do you think will happen next?

Accepted Answer

The girl will go to the store and buy the doll.

Answer

The girl will lose her money before she can buy the doll.

Answer

The girl's parents will not allow her to buy the doll.

Answer

The store will run out of dolls before the girl can buy one.

Question 7

Read the sentence: 'The boy was running very fast.' What can you infer about the boy?

Accepted Answer

He was trying to get somewhere quickly.

Answer

He was excited.

Answer

He was scared.

Answer

He was tired.

Question 8

Read the paragraph: 'The sky was dark and cloudy. The wind was howling loudly.' What prediction can you make about what will happen next in the story?

Accepted Answer

It is going to rain soon.

Answer

The characters will get lost in the woods.

Answer

The house will be struck by lightning.

Answer

The characters will be attacked by wild animals.

Question 9

What will probably happen next in the story? 
The boy slowly opened the door, his heart pounding in his chest. He could hear strange noises coming from inside.

Accepted Answer

He will cautiously enter the room.

Answer

He will close the door and go away.

Answer

He will call his parents for help.

Answer

He will peek through the keyhole.

Question 10

Based on the sentence, what can you infer about the girl's feelings? 
The girl's face was as pale as a ghost.

Accepted Answer

She is feeling scared.

Answer

She is feeling happy.

Answer

She is feeling angry.

Answer

She is feeling tired.

Question 11

Which word best describes the condition of the house? 
The old house was creaky and dilapidated.

Accepted Answer

Broken down

Answer

Sturdy

Answer

Colorful

Answer

Cozy

Question 12

Which option is NOT a clue that the story is set in the past?

Accepted Answer

Mention of cell phones

Answer

Characters traveling by horse and buggy

Answer

Use of old-fashioned language

Answer

Mention of a historical event

Question 13

What do you think might happen in the story based on the title: 'The Mystery of the Lost Puppy'?

Accepted Answer

A puppy goes missing and characters try to find it.

Answer

A puppy is found and characters try to return it to its owner.

Answer

A puppy gets sick and characters try to help it.

Answer

A puppy is born and characters try to name it.

Question 14

What does the underlined word mean in this sentence? 
The scientist was meticulous in his work.

Accepted Answer

Careful and precise

Answer

Fast and efficient

Answer

Careless and sloppy

Answer

Creative and original

Question 15

Based on the sentence, what can you infer about the wind? 
The wind howled like a banshee.

Accepted Answer

It was blowing fiercely.

Answer

It was blowing softly.

Answer

It was blowing unpredictably.

Answer

It was blowing warmly.

Question 16

What is the most likely setting for a story that includes talking animals, magic, and a brave prince?

Accepted Answer

A fantasy world

Answer

A modern city

Answer

A historical setting

Answer

A realistic school setting

Question 17

What will most likely happen next in the story? 
The man cautiously entered the dark and mysterious cave. He could feel the cold air on his skin and hear the dripping of water.

Accepted Answer

He will continue exploring the cave.

Answer

He will turn around and leave.

Answer

He will call for help.

Answer

He will find hidden treasure.

Question 18

When making inferences about a character in a story, which of these is NOT a helpful clue?

Accepted Answer

The character's favorite food

Answer

The character's actions

Answer

The character's thoughts and feelings

Answer

The character's dialogue

Question 19

In the story, the main character is described as shy and quiet. What can you infer about their personality?

Accepted Answer

They are likely to be good listeners.

Answer

They are likely to be outgoing and talkative.

Answer

They are likely to be very confident and assertive.

Question 20

Which of the following tells us that the character is feeling sad?

Accepted Answer

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Answer

Her face was bright and cheerful.

Answer

Her laughter filled the air.

Answer

Her eyes sparkled with joy.

Question 21

Which of the following sentences tells us what the character is thinking?

Accepted Answer

He wondered if he would ever find his way back home.

Answer

He walked slowly, head downcast.

Answer

He shouted for help, but no one answered.

Answer

He ran as fast as he could.

Question 22

What clue in the text tells us that the story is happening during a cold season?

Accepted Answer

The wind howled through the trees.

Answer

The birds were singing sweetly.

Answer

The sun shone brightly overhead.

Answer

The flowers were in full bloom.

Question 23

Which of these is an example of foreshadowing in the story?

Accepted Answer

The dark clouds gathered overhead.

Answer

The lost child wandered into the woods.

Answer

The princess danced gracefully at the ball.

Answer

The hero defeated the dragon.

Question 24

What does the word 'trembling' tell us about the character's emotions?

Accepted Answer

The character is feeling frightened or nervous.

Answer

The character is feeling confident and brave.

Answer

The character is feeling angry and frustrated.

Answer

The character is feeling happy and joyful.

Question 25

Which of these is NOT a good way to make inferences?

Accepted Answer

Guess randomly.

Answer

Find clues in the text.

Answer

Use your own knowledge to understand the text.

Answer

Make conclusions based on evidence.

Question 26

What can you guess about the weather from this sentence: 'The wind howled like a banshee, and the rain poured down in sheets.'?

Accepted Answer

The weather is stormy and harsh.

Answer

The weather is clear and sunny.

Answer

The weather is calm and peaceful.

Answer

The weather is hot and humid.

Question 27

Which of these tells us that the story is set in a historical time period?

Accepted Answer

The characters traveled by horse and buggy.

Answer

The characters used cell phones.

Answer

The characters had access to electricity.

Answer

The characters wore modern clothing.

Question 28

Based on this part of the story, what is the most likely thing to happen next? 'The detective followed the footprints in the snow, his heart pounding with anticipation.'

Accepted Answer

The detective will find the missing person.

Answer

The detective will get lost in the snowstorm.

Answer

The detective will give up the search.

Answer

The detective will find the footprints suddenly disappear.

Question 29

What is the most likely reason why the character went to the library?

Accepted Answer

To borrow a book

Answer

To meet a friend

Answer

To play video games

Answer

To use the bathroom

Question 30

Which of these events is most likely to happen next in the story?

Accepted Answer

The character will find a book and start reading.

Answer

The character will meet a new friend.

Answer

The character will get lost in the library.

Answer

The character will go home.

Question 31

Which of these words best describes the character's personality?

Accepted Answer

Curious

Answer

Shy

Answer

Angry

Answer

Lazy

Question 32

Read the sentence from a story: 'The old, wooden house stood alone on a hill, its windows boarded up and its paint peeling.' What can you infer about the setting of the story?

Accepted Answer

It is an old house in a quiet countryside.

Answer

It is a new house in a busy neighborhood.

Answer

It is a small house hidden in a thick jungle.

Question 33

How might an author's aim to persuade the reader affect your inferences?

Accepted Answer

The author may choose to include or leave out certain details.

Answer

The author's goal is always clearly stated in the text.

Answer

An author's goal has no impact on the reader's inferences.

Answer

Inferences are solely based on the reader's own thoughts.

Question 34

How can making inferences help us understand people with different viewpoints?

Accepted Answer

It helps us see similarities and differences between our own experiences and theirs.

Answer

It makes us more judgmental of those who think differently.

Answer

It eliminates the need for direct communication.

Answer

It makes it easier to dismiss the opinions of others.

Question 35

When we make guesses, or inferences, about characters or events in a story, it's important to:

Accepted Answer

Consider all possible outcomes, both right and wrong

Answer

Focus only on what we already know

Answer

Guess without thinking about the story

Answer

Ignore other characters and events in the story

Question 36

Read the sentence: 'The dog was barking loudly at the mailman.' Which of the following can you infer about the dog's feelings towards the mailman?

Accepted Answer

The dog is likely feeling unfriendly or aggressive towards the mailman.

Answer

The dog is excited to see the mailman.

Answer

The dog is scared of the mailman.

Answer

The dog is curious about the mailman.

Question 37

Read the paragraph: 'The sky was covered in dark, ominous clouds. The wind howled loudly, and the trees swayed violently.' Which of the following predictions can you make about the weather?

Accepted Answer

It is likely going to rain or storm.

Answer

It is likely going to snow.

Answer

It is likely going to be sunny.

Question 38

Read the sentence: 'The boy was crying because he couldn't find his favorite toy.' Which of the following is the most likely inference about the boy's mood?

Accepted Answer

He is probably feeling sad or upset.

Answer

He is probably feeling angry.

Answer

He is probably feeling excited.

Answer

He is probably feeling happy.

Question 39

Read the paragraph: 'The girl was walking home from school by herself. It was getting dark and the streets were empty.' Which of the following predictions can you make about what might happen next?

Accepted Answer

She might feel scared or uneasy.

Answer

She might run into a friend.

Answer

She might win the lottery.

Answer

She might get lost.

Question 40

Read the sentence: 'The teacher was smiling and the students were laughing.' Which of the following can you infer about the classroom atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

It is likely a positive and cheerful environment.

Answer

It is likely a chaotic and disruptive environment.

Answer

It is likely a negative and tense environment.

Answer

It is likely a boring and quiet environment.

Question 41

Read the paragraph: 'The car was speeding down the road. It ran a red light and crashed into a tree.' Which of the following predictions can you make about the driver?

Accepted Answer

They might be injured or hurt.

Answer

They might get a promotion.

Answer

They might win an award.

Answer

They might get lost.

Question 42

Read the sentence: 'The man was wearing a suit and tie.' Which of the following can you infer about the man's job?

Accepted Answer

He may work in an office or professional setting.

Answer

He may be a construction worker.

Answer

He may be a teacher.

Answer

He may be a doctor.

Question 43

Read the paragraph: 'The team was practicing hard every day. They were determined to win the championship.' Which of the following predictions can you make about the team?

Accepted Answer

They have a good chance of winning the championship if they continue to practice.

Answer

They might lose the championship.

Answer

They might get injured.

Answer

They might get into a fight.

Question 44

Read the sentence: 'The woman was crying because she had lost her job.' Which of the following is the most reasonable inference about the woman's financial situation?

Accepted Answer

She may be facing financial difficulties.

Answer

She may be wealthy.

Answer

She may be living comfortably.

Answer

She may be retired.

Question 45

Read the paragraph: 'The boy was running through the forest by himself. He was scared and he didn't know where he was going.' Which of the following predictions can you make about what might happen next?

Accepted Answer

He may get lost or encounter difficulties in the forest.

Answer

He may win a prize.

Answer

He may find his way home easily.

Answer

He may meet a helpful animal.

Question 46

Read the sentence: "She was a curious girl who often went on adventures."

Which of the following best describes the girl?

Accepted Answer

She has a thirst for knowledge and loves exploring new places.

Answer

She is more interested in reading books than going outside.

Answer

She is easily scared and doesn't like taking risks.

Question 47

Read the sentence: "The wind howled and the rain beat against the windows."

What can you infer about the weather outside?

Accepted Answer

It is a stormy and unpleasant night.

Answer

It is a warm and sunny day.

Answer

It is a cold and snowy day.

Answer

It is a calm and peaceful night.

Question 48

Read the story: "The boy and the dog became best friends. They played together every day and went on many adventures."

What is the main theme of this story?

Accepted Answer

The importance of friendship and loyalty.

Answer

The dangers of being lost in the woods.

Answer

The power of magic and imagination.

Answer

The beauty of nature.

Question 49

The character in the story is always making bad decisions. What do you predict will happen to him?

Accepted Answer

He is likely to face negative consequences for his actions.

Answer

He will become a successful and respected member of society.

Answer

He will find true love and happiness.

Question 50

Read the sentence: "The girl sat alone in the corner, staring out the window with tears in her eyes."

What can you infer about how the girl is feeling?

Accepted Answer

She is feeling sad and lonely.

Answer

She is feeling angry and frustrated.

Answer

She is feeling excited and happy.

Question 51

Read the sentence: "The man had always dreamed of climbing Mount Everest."

Which of the following sentences provides the best evidence to support the prediction that the man will succeed in climbing Mount Everest?

Accepted Answer

He has trained for years and is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge.

Answer

He has never climbed a mountain before.

Answer

He is afraid of heights.

Question 52

Read the sentence: "The two characters were always together, laughing and sharing secrets."

Which of the following best describes their relationship?

Accepted Answer

They are close friends.

Answer

They are siblings.

Answer

They are enemies.