What are inferential comprehension skills primarily used for?

Inferential comprehension skills are essential for making connections and drawing conclusions based on the information presented in the text. These skills go beyond surface-level understanding, allowing readers to infer or deduce meanings, themes, and messages that are not explicitly stated. For instance, when a reader uses inferential comprehension, they might analyze characters' motivations, predict future events based on current information, or connect themes to personal experiences or other texts.

In contrast to simply identifying themes or critiquing writing styles, which focus more on specific elements of the text or the author's approach, inferential skills require synthesizing various pieces of information and understanding the underlying context. This deeper level of engagement with the text enhances overall comprehension and allows for a richer reading experience. Thus, option C accurately captures the primary function of inferential comprehension skills.