Using Analogical Reasoning to Deepen Reading Comprehension

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video introduces students to the concept of analogical reasoning as a critical reading comprehension strategy. It begins by distinguishing between explicit and implicit ideas before defining analogical reasoning as the process of making logical connections between different situations, objects, or systems to deepen understanding. The host uses accessible examples—such as the phrase "a contagious smile" and the fable of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"—to demonstrate how readers use background knowledge and comparisons to draw conclusions. The video features a detailed literary analysis of an excerpt from O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi." By examining the author's use of comparisons (likening hair to jewels and waterfalls) and contrasting them with descriptions of worn clothing, the video guides viewers through the process of making sophisticated inferences. This segment models how to identify text evidence and use it to predict character actions. Teachers can use this video to scaffold lessons on inference, metaphor, and literary analysis. It provides a clear visual and verbal explanation of how active readers think, making abstract cognitive processes concrete. The inclusion of a classic literary text makes it an excellent companion for units on short stories or narrative writing, helping students move beyond surface-level reading to analytical thinking.