Inference, in the context of reading text, refers to the process of drawing conclusions, making interpretations, or forming judgments based on evidence, clues, or information presented in the text. It involves using reasoning and critical thinking skills to go beyond the literal meaning of the words and understand implicit meanings, implications, or connections that may not be explicitly stated.
When readers make inferences, they combine their prior knowledge, context clues, and textual evidence to understand the author’s intended message or meaning. Inferences can involve understanding characters’ motivations, predicting future events, identifying themes or underlying messages, and making connections between different parts of the text.
For example, if a character in a story mentions feeling nervous and constantly checking the time, a reader might infer that the character is anxious or worried about something. This inference is based on the reader’s understanding of human behavior and the context provided in the text.
Inferences are an essential aspect of comprehension and critical reading skills, allowing readers to engage more deeply with the text and gain a richer understanding of its meaning.
