What distinguishes literal questions from inferential questions in reading comprehension?

Literal questions are designed to retrieve directly stated information from the text. They focus on specific facts, details, or events that are clearly presented, requiring readers to reference parts of the text to provide an answer. For example, a literal question might ask, "What color is the main character's car?" In contrast, inferential questions go beyond the text to require the reader to draw conclusions or make interpretations based on the information provided. These questions often involve thinking critically about implications, themes, or the motivations of characters. An inferential question might ask, "What can you infer about the character’s feelings based on their actions throughout the story?"

This distinction is crucial for developing reading comprehension skills, as it teaches students to analyze and interpret texts on different levels. Understanding that literal questions seek explicit information allows students to easily locate answers in the text, while recognizing that inferential questions necessitate deeper engagement with the material promotes critical thinking and analytical skills.