Reading Comprehension
What is Reading Comprehension?
Reading comprehension is the ability to understand and make meaning from a text — not just reading the words, but grasping what they mean together. Strong readers use a set of active strategies rather than just moving their eyes across the page.
Finding the Main Idea
The main idea is the central point the author wants you to understand. It is not a specific detail or example — it is the overall message.
To find the main idea:
- Read the entire passage first
- Ask: What is this mostly about?
- Check that your answer covers the whole passage, not just one part
The main idea is often (but not always) stated in the first or last sentence of a paragraph.
Supporting Details
Supporting details are facts, examples, or reasons that back up the main idea. Every well-written paragraph has a main idea supported by several details.
Main idea: Exercise is important for good health. Supporting details: It strengthens the heart, improves mood, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Making Inferences
An inference is a conclusion you draw from clues in the text — what the author implies but does not directly state.
"Sarah grabbed her umbrella before leaving the house."
The text does not say it is raining, but we can infer it from the clue.
Active Reading Strategies
| Strategy | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Predict | Before and during reading, guess what will happen next |
| Question | Ask who, what, where, when, why, and how as you read |
| Clarify | Pause when confused — re-read or use context clues |
| Summarise | After each section, restate the key points in your own words |
| Connect | Link the text to your own experience, other texts, or the world |
Summarising vs Retelling
A summary is short and focuses only on the main idea and key points — in your own words. A retelling includes many specific details in order.
When asked to summarise, be selective. Leave out minor details.