Formulating predictions as a reading strategy will help you, as a reader, think critically, develop inferences, form conclusions, create inquiries, reflect on factual information from the text, etc. So, the practice of predicting actually helps a reader's comprehension and analysis of a text.

In relation to The Pearl by Steinbeck, you might want to begin with predicting some of the answers to the following questions:

Why is the name of the novel important?

Do you think this title refers to an actual pearl or does the name represent a person, place, etc.?

Where do you think the novel will take place?

What do you think the novel will be about in general?

Once you begin to read the book and are familiar with the characters, you may want to consider the following questions or statements in order to make predictions about the book:

What do you think the main themes of the novel are?

What do you think will happen to Coyotito once the scorpion stings him?

Once Kino finds the pearl, how do you think his family's lives will change?

Is there a basic good versus evil message or moral of the story; if so, how will Steinbeck show this?

Does gaining something valuable always bring great hope, peace, and happiness? Why or why not?

When Kino has a difficult time selling the pearl, what do you think he will do with it?

Why do you think Steinbeck wrote this novel; what was his message to readers? Who do you think his audience is specifically?