Mastering Inferential Questions in Comprehension Exams at the PSLE: A Guide with Examples

Comprehension exams are a staple in academic assessments, testing not just your ability to read, but also your capacity to understand, interpret, and analyse text. Among the various types of questions that appear in comprehension exams, inferential questions often pose the greatest challenge. These questions require you to go beyond the explicit content of the passage and draw conclusions based on the information provided.

Here, we’ll explore strategies to tackle inferential questions effectively, along with examples to illustrate these techniques.

What Are Inferential Questions?

Inferential questions ask you to read between the lines and deduce information that is not directly stated in the text. Unlike literal questions, which can be answered by quoting directly from the passage, inferential questions demand a deeper level of thinking. They often begin with phrases like:

• • Why do you think…?

• • What kind of character is…?

• • How might the character feel about…?

• • How do you know that…?

Strategies to Tackle Inferential Questions

1. Understand the Context

Before attempting to answer an inferential question, ensure you fully understand the context of the passage. Identify the main idea, the key points, and the overall tone. Understanding the broader context will help you make logical connections and draw accurate inferences.

Take a look at this example.

John watched the rain patter against the window, a frown deepening on his face. He turned away, shoving his hands into his pockets, and sighed deeply.

Think: Why was John feeling upset?

Unpack the text and link it to the phrase, ‘feeling upset’:

The context of the rain, the deepening frown, and the sigh suggest that John is unhappy or disappointed, possibly because the rain has ruined some plans he had.Answer: John was likely upset because the rain has spoiled his plans to go outdoors since he had been looking forward to it.

2. Look for Clues in the Text

Authors often leave subtle clues that hint at underlying meanings or emotions. Pay close attention to word choices, tone, and any descriptive language that can help you infer what is not explicitly stated.

Study this example.

Passage excerpt Although Sarah accepted the award with a smile, her hands trembled slightly, and her voice cracked as she thanked the committee.

Think: How did Sarah feel about receiving the award?

The tremble in her hands and the crack in her voice suggest nervousness or perhaps even reluctance, despite her outward smile.Answer: Sarah might have felt anxious or overwhelmed about receiving the award.

3. Connect the Dots

Sometimes, you need to piece together information from different parts of the passage to arrive at the correct inference. This involves synthesising various elements of the text to see the bigger picture.

Study this example.

The once-bustling neighbourhood was now eerily silent. Shops that had thrived for decades were boarded up, and the only sound was the wind whistling through the empty streets.

Think: What can be inferred about the neighbourhood’s current state?

The descriptions of silence, boarded-up shops, and emptiness suggest that the town has fallen into decline or has been abandoned.Answer: The town is likely experiencing economic decline or has been largely abandoned.

4. Consider the Author’s Intent

Understanding the author’s purpose and tone can provide insight into how they want the reader to interpret the text. Is the author being sarcastic, nostalgic, or critical?

Here is an example.

As she walked through the gates of her old school, memories flooded back, each one tinged with the golden hue of a long-lost summer.

Think: Which phrase suggests that the character’s memories of school was of nostalgia and warmth?Answer: The use of “golden hue” and “long-lost summer” suggests a fond, nostalgic tone.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to improve your skills in answering inferential questions is through regular practice. Read a variety of texts—fiction, non-fiction, poetry—and practice identifying and interpreting implied meanings.

Here is one more example for you.

Despite the cold, Marcus continued his morning run, his breath visible in the frigid air, and his steps echoing in the deserted park.

Think: What can be inferred about Marcus’s character?Answer: Marcus is likely determined and disciplined, as he continues his run despite the cold and isolation.

We know that inferential questions can be tricky, but with practice and the right strategies, you can learn to answer them with more certainty. Remember to always consider the context, look for textual clues, connect different elements of the passage, and think about the author’s intent.

Happy studying, and remember: the more you practice, the sharper your inferential skills will become!

For our courses that help you tackle inferential questions in the Comprehension Open-Ended section, visit this link. Don’t miss our September Holiday programme where P5 and P6 students get to learn useful methods to tackle inferential questions in the Comprehension Open-Ended section in their exams.