SSAT Elementary Level Reading

A friendly introduction to reading comprehension skills for the SSAT Elementary Level.

Understanding Main IdeasFinding DetailsUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Making InferencesIdentifying Author's PurposeSequencing Events
Reading for Fun and LearningUsing Reading Skills in Everyday LifeSharing What You Read
Skimming and ScanningAnswering Multiple-Choice Questions
Understanding Main I...Finding DetailsUnderstanding Vocabu...Making InferencesIdentifying Author's...Sequencing EventsReading for Fun and ...Using Reading Skills...Sharing What You Rea...Skimming and Scannin...Answering Multiple-C...
Advanced Topics

Making Inferences

What is an Inference?

An inference is when you use clues from the story and what you already know to figure something out that isn't directly said.

How to Make an Inference

  • Look for hints or clues in the passage.
  • Think about what you already know.
  • Combine the clues and your knowledge to guess what is happening.

Why Inferences Matter

Inferences help you understand deeper meanings and read between the lines.

Real-World Example

When your friend looks sad and quiet, you might infer that they had a bad day, even if they don’t say it.

Examples

  • The story says Max put on his raincoat and grabbed an umbrella. You can infer that it's raining.

  • Sara’s face turned red and she hid behind her book. You can infer she is feeling shy.

In a Nutshell

An inference is a smart guess based on clues and your own knowledge.

Key Terms

Inference
A conclusion made using evidence and reasoning.
Next
Identifying Author's Purpose