Unit 5: Reading Comprehension Skills

1. Identifying the Main Idea

The main idea is the central point or message of a passage.
How to find it:

• Look at the title or first sentence.

• Ask: What is the passage mostly about?

• Check for repeated ideas or themes.

2. Drawing Inferences

An inference is a conclusion made using evidence and reasoning rather than direct statements.
Tips:

• Read between the lines.

• Use context clues and background knowledge.

• Ask: What does the author suggest but not say directly?

3. Understanding Literal and Figurative Language

• Literal language means exactly what it says (e.g., “It is raining heavily”).

• Figurative language uses figures of speech to express deeper meanings (e.g., “It’s raining cats and dogs”).