Making Predictions

Making predictions means guessing what will happen next in a story or text. Good readers make predictions all the time as they read. They use clues from the text and what they already know to make their guesses. Predictions make reading more fun because you want to find out if you are right.

How to Make Predictions

Look at the title, pictures, and headings before you start reading. As you read, pay attention to clues the author gives you. Think about what you already know about similar stories. Then make a guess about what might happen next. It is okay if your prediction is wrong.

Checking Your Predictions

After you make a prediction, keep reading to see if you were right. If your prediction was wrong, think about why. Maybe the author surprised you on purpose. Checking your predictions helps you stay focused and think deeply about what you are reading.

Fun Facts

• Mystery writers try hard to keep readers from predicting the ending.
• Making predictions uses the same part of your brain that helps you plan ahead in real life.
• Even very young children make predictions when someone reads them a picture book.

Did You Know?

Scientists make predictions too. They call them hypotheses, and they test them with experiments.