Producing Predictions
Predictions are guesses. When reading, we make predictions all the time, whether we realise it or not. We make educated guesses about what will happen or what we are going to learn, based on:
· the title
· any pictures
· the events and information, including characters’ feelings and actions
· our own knowledge and experience.
Before We Read
We use the title and any pictures to make predictions about what we think a text is going to be about. A good title will provide a clue about the main idea and stimulate our recall of any prior knowledge or related experiences. We also make predictions based on the type of text, whether imaginative, informative or persuasive.
Before we start reading, our predictions may not be very accurate, particularly if the title isn't very clear. This doesn't matter. Making predictions is an important comprehension skill because it means we are actively thinking about the text before we even start reading. Making predictions helps us make connections with a text as it makes us think about things we might already know about a topic. If it turns out our guess is wrong, we adjust our thinking. The important thing is we are thinking.
While Reading
As we start reading, we predict what will happen next, such as the next event or how a character is going to feel or react. All imaginative stories have complications so we start predicting the solution from the moment we first learn about the problem. Throughout our reading we will have more precise information from which to make more detailed, accurate predictions.
Comprehension Tests
To do well on comprehension questions about making predictions you need to use the information presented in the text and sometimes things you know as well, to work out what is most likely to happen. While our predictions before we start reading may not be correct, once we start reading and are answering test questions, we need to read carefully so we can make educated guesses about what is most likely to happen.
· the title
· any pictures
· the events and information, including characters’ feelings and actions
· our own knowledge and experience.
Before We Read
We use the title and any pictures to make predictions about what we think a text is going to be about. A good title will provide a clue about the main idea and stimulate our recall of any prior knowledge or related experiences. We also make predictions based on the type of text, whether imaginative, informative or persuasive.
Before we start reading, our predictions may not be very accurate, particularly if the title isn't very clear. This doesn't matter. Making predictions is an important comprehension skill because it means we are actively thinking about the text before we even start reading. Making predictions helps us make connections with a text as it makes us think about things we might already know about a topic. If it turns out our guess is wrong, we adjust our thinking. The important thing is we are thinking.
While Reading
As we start reading, we predict what will happen next, such as the next event or how a character is going to feel or react. All imaginative stories have complications so we start predicting the solution from the moment we first learn about the problem. Throughout our reading we will have more precise information from which to make more detailed, accurate predictions.
Comprehension Tests
To do well on comprehension questions about making predictions you need to use the information presented in the text and sometimes things you know as well, to work out what is most likely to happen. While our predictions before we start reading may not be correct, once we start reading and are answering test questions, we need to read carefully so we can make educated guesses about what is most likely to happen.