Inference is the skill of figuring out something the author does not say directly. Readers use clues from the text and their own knowledge to understand what is happening or what is meant.
An inference is like being a detective—using hints and clues to understand more than what is written.
Readers make inferences by combining text evidence with what they already know. Evidence comes from words, pictures, and details in the story.
Ask yourself: “What do the clues tell me?” and “What do I already know that helps me understand this?”
Clues can come from words, actions, or pictures. Authors often give hints instead of telling everything directly.
Always pay attention to details. Even small actions or words can be big clues to help you infer.
Inference helps readers better understand stories, poems, and informational texts. It allows readers to figure out characters’ feelings, settings, and ideas that are not said directly.
Making inferences makes reading more interesting and helps you understand the deeper meaning of the text.
To become better at inference, practice asking and answering questions as you read. Look for evidence, use your own knowledge, and connect the two.
The more you practice inference, the easier it will be to understand both stories and real-life situations.