What is the purpose of predicting in a text?

The purpose of predicting in a text is to envision what will happen next. This strategy involves using clues from the text, along with a reader's own experiences and knowledge, to make educated guesses about future events or outcomes in the narrative. By engaging in prediction, readers become more active participants in the reading process, enhancing their comprehension and enjoyment of the story. This anticipation can also motivate readers to continue reading to see if their predictions come to fruition.

In contrast, summarizing the main ideas focuses on condensing the text into its core concepts, which is a different skill. Analyzing character development involves understanding how characters change over time, requiring deeper engagement with the text rather than merely anticipating future events. Providing supporting details refers to backing up a claim or idea with evidence from the text, which does not directly involve making predictions about what might happen next. Therefore, predicting is specifically aimed at anticipating future developments within the narrative.