Identify a key indicator of a child's reading comprehension skills.

Making inferences based on the text is a key indicator of a child's reading comprehension skills. Comprehension goes beyond simply understanding the literal meaning of the words. It requires the reader to interpret, integrate, and evaluate information and ideas presented in the text. When a child can make inferences, they demonstrate the ability to read between the lines, draw conclusions, and connect new information to their existing knowledge. This skill reflects a deeper understanding of the material and shows that the child can think critically about what they read, which is crucial for effective comprehension.

Other options, while they may indicate some understanding of reading, do not fully capture the essence of comprehension. For instance, memorizing passages or reciting text verbatim may show that a child can retain information but does not necessarily mean they understand or can apply that information. Analyzing literary techniques involves critical thinking but is more focused on literary criticism rather than understanding a text's content or context. Thus, making inferences is the most significant indicator of a child's reading comprehension abilities.