Language term
Inference
A conclusion the reader works out from clues rather than being told directly.
What it means
Inference is the skill of working out something that is not stated directly. You draw a reasonable conclusion from the clues a text provides. A writer shows a character slamming a door and refusing to speak.
The reader infers that the character is angry, even though the word angry never appears. Inference goes beyond what is on the surface to what is suggested. It depends on reading carefully and reasoning from evidence.
It is one of the most important reading skills, because much of a text's meaning is implied, not spelled out.
Why it matters in the exam
In the reading paper, many questions test inference directly. They ask what a detail suggests or what impression is created. Marks depend on drawing a supported conclusion from the text.
Examiners reward inferences backed by evidence, not guesses. Inference is the difference between simply retrieving information and truly understanding a text. Developing it lifts your comprehension across both the reading and Literature papers.
Example
A text describes a man checking his watch every few seconds and pacing the platform. The reader can infer that he is anxious and waiting for someone.
How to use it
To make an inference, find the clue in the text. Then state the reasonable conclusion it points to. Be ready to quote the evidence that supports it.
Use phrases such as this suggests or this implies. Avoid wild guesses. A good inference always ties back to specific detail and shows the examiner how the text led you to your conclusion.
Knowing the term is the first step. In a paid one-hour trial, a teacher helps your child use "Inference" accurately in an answer.