Teach the Key Difference Between Inferring and Predicting

What’s the difference between inferring and predicting? We’re glad you asked! While both inference and prediction are essential comprehension strategies, they serve different purposes. 

• Prediction is about guessing what might happen next, based on clues in the text combined with the reader’s prior knowledge.
• Inference is about making judgements about what is not directly stated in the text using ‘between the lines’ evidence and background knowledge.

This engaging classroom poster has been created by our team to support you in teaching the difference between inferring and predicting to your students. It provides an age-appropriate definition of each strategy and an example for each.

Designed with bright visuals and clear text, this resource supports visual learners and reinforces classroom instruction. Pop it on your classroom wall, display it during guided reading or print it smaller for student workbooks.

This predicting and inferring poster is available as a PDF or an editable Google Slides file. You can access and print either a full-colour or blank-and-white version, depending on your needs.

Predicting and Inferring: Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Understanding predicting and inferring underpins deeper comprehension and critical thinking across all subject areas. When students can confidently distinguish between these skills, they are better equipped to:

• Engage actively with texts – Students move beyond surface-level reading and start asking questions and making connections.
• Support thinking with evidence – Instead of guessing, students learn to justify their ideas using clues from the text.
• Improve reading comprehension – Inferring helps students understand implied meanings, while predicting keeps them engaged and thinking ahead.

This poster helps reinforce both concepts by providing simple definitions, authentic examples and appealing visual features.

Download and Print This Inferring and Predicting Poster

Use the Download button to access your preferred version of this inferring and predicting poster. Please note that you will be required to make a personal copy of the Google Slides file before you can access it.

We recommend enlarging the size of this poster for enhanced readability.

Lindsey Phillips, a teacher and Teach Starter collaborator, contributed to this resource.

More Resources for Teaching Inference vs Prediction

Click below to browse more curriculum-aligned resources for teaching inference and prediction to your students.

[resource:1529646] [resource:1420642] [resource:1784486]