Drawing a conclusion means making a judgment based on available information.
Drawing conclusions is a fundamental cognitive process involving the synthesis of information to arrive at a reasoned judgment. It's not simply restating facts but rather interpreting them to understand what they collectively imply.
What Does "Drawing a Conclusion" Mean?
Based on the provided information:
- To draw a conclusion means to make a judgment.
- This process involves using information that is stated or implied.
- It is sometimes referred to as making an inference.
Essentially, when you draw a conclusion, you are forming an opinion, belief, or decision after considering details or evidence. It's about figuring out what is likely true or what follows logically from what you already know.
Drawing Conclusions in Context: Reading
A common context for this skill is reading comprehension.
When students are asked to draw conclusions about something they have read, they are specifically asked to:
- Analyze the text.
- Identify information directly stated by the author.
- Identify information implied by the author (not explicitly written but hinted at).
- Use this combined information to form a judgment or reach an understanding that goes beyond the literal words on the page.
This skill is crucial for deeper understanding, critical thinking, and interpreting meaning that isn't immediately obvious.
The Relationship with Inference
As the reference points out, drawing conclusions is sometimes referred to as making an inference.
- Inference: The process of deducing something not explicitly stated from evidence or reasoning.
Drawing a conclusion is often the result of making an inference. You infer meaning from clues in the text (or other data), and this inference leads you to draw a conclusion.
How is it Done?
Drawing conclusions involves several steps:
- Gather Information: Identify the key facts and details provided.
- Look for Clues: Pay attention to implied meanings, tone, word choice, and context.
- Connect the Dots: Combine the stated and implied information.
- Formulate a Judgment: Based on the connections, decide what conclusion can reasonably be drawn.
| Aspect | Description | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| Core Action | Making a judgment | Stated in reference |
| Information Used | Stated or implied facts/clues | Stated in reference |
| Alternative Term | Making an inference | Stated in reference |
| Purpose (Reading) | Forming understanding beyond literal text | Implied by reference |
Drawing conclusions is an active process of sense-making, vital for academic success, problem-solving, and navigating everyday life.
