What is meant by the term 'inference' in reading?

Inference in reading refers to the ability to draw meaning and conclusions based on information that is implied rather than explicitly stated in the text. When readers make inferences, they rely on their prior knowledge, experiences, and contextual clues within the text to fill in gaps and understand the underlying message or themes. This process enhances comprehension, allowing readers to engage more deeply with the material and derive meanings that might not be directly articulated.

Memorizing texts can aid in recall but does not involve the critical thinking required for inference, as it lacks the application of understanding beyond what is stated. Summarizing main ideas involves expressing the central concepts of a text without necessarily inferring meaning beyond those ideas. Likewise, identifying the author's stated purpose focuses on explicit information given in the text, whereas inference requires readers to read between the lines to grasp subtleties that are not plainly stated.