What is a reader doing when they actively forecast what will happen next in a text?

• A. Skimming for details
• B. Predicting what happens next
• C. Summarizing the main idea
• D. Rereading for accuracy

Answer: (B)

When a reader actively forecasts what will happen next, they are predicting. This means using clues from the text—such as foreshadowing, the goals and actions of characters, and events that have already occurred—along with what they already know to make an educated guess about future outcomes. The goal is to stay engaged and monitor comprehension, adjusting the guess as new information appears.

This is different from skimming for details, which is about quickly locating specific information rather than thinking ahead about what will occur. It’s also different from summarizing, which involves restating the main ideas after reading, and from rereading for accuracy, which focuses on verifying details previously read. Predicting, instead, keeps the reader actively involved as the plot unfolds.