What level of reading comprehension is demonstrated when students predict outcomes in a story?

The ability to predict outcomes in a story is a clear indicator of inferential comprehension. This level of understanding goes beyond merely recalling facts or details from the text, which is characteristic of literal comprehension. Instead, inferential comprehension requires students to make connections and draw conclusions based on the information presented, as well as their own experiences and knowledge.

When students predict what might happen next in a story, they are using clues and hints within the text to infer meaning and anticipate future developments. This process involves an understanding of cause and effect, character motivations, and the thematic elements of the narrative. Therefore, making predictions taps into deeper cognitive skills that involve critical thinking and reasoning, which are hallmark features of inferential comprehension.