Which skill is essential for accurately answering inferential questions?

The essential skill for accurately answering inferential questions is the ability to read between the lines and draw conclusions. Inferential questions often require the reader to go beyond the literal meanings of the text and to interpret implied meanings, themes, or emotions that are not explicitly stated. This involves analyzing the context, tone, and nuances in the text to form a deeper understanding of the author's intent or the overall message.

For example, if a passage describes a character's actions subtly suggesting their feelings of remorse, an inferential question might ask what those actions imply about the character's emotional state. To answer such questions correctly, a reader must be able to grasp the underlying implications and make logical connections based on the information presented, which is the crux of inferential reasoning.

While other skills, such as summarizing or defining words, are valuable in reading comprehension, they do not directly relate to drawing inferences, which is central to tackling inferential questions effectively.