Making inferences as you read means using clues from the text and your own prior knowledge to figure out what the author implies but doesn't state directly. This process requires you to actively engage with the material and think critically about the information presented.
Essentially, you make inferences by:
- Analyzing information: Carefully examine the details, words, and events described in the text.
- Drawing conclusions based on evidence: Use those details (the evidence) combined with what you already know about the world to make a logical assumption about what the author means.
Why Making Inferences is Important
Making inferences is a crucial reading skill with several significant benefits, as highlighted by the reference:
- Grasping the Author's Intended Meaning: Inferences help you understand the deeper message or nuances the author is trying to convey beyond the literal words on the page. This is key to truly comprehending complex texts or understanding characters' motivations.
- Enjoying the Story More: By uncovering hidden meanings and connecting clues, you become more invested in the reading material, which enhances your overall enjoyment.
- Developing Critical Thinking Skills: The very act of analyzing information and using evidence to draw conclusions helps develop critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in school and life.
Steps to Make Inferences While Reading
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Observe the Details: Pay close attention to specific words, phrases, descriptions, and actions. These are your clues.
- Connect to Prior Knowledge: Think about what you already know about the topic, situation, or human behavior. How does the information in the text relate to your existing knowledge?
- Make a "Smart Guess": Based on the text clues and your knowledge, form a reasonable assumption about what is happening or what the author is implying.
- Verify Your Inference: Continue reading to see if subsequent information supports or contradicts your inference. Be ready to revise your conclusion if needed.
Example: Putting It Together
Let's look at how this works with a simple example:
| Clue from Text | Prior Knowledge | Inference |
|---|---|---|
| The character squinted at the small print. | Squinting can happen when vision is poor. | The character might have trouble seeing small text. |
| The playground was empty and quiet. | Playgrounds are usually busy during the day. | It might be evening, early morning, or bad weather. |
In both cases, you didn't read "He needs glasses" or "It was raining," but you inferred those possibilities based on the evidence and your understanding of the world.
Making inferences transforms you from a passive reader into an active participant, allowing you to unlock deeper layers of meaning and strengthen your analytical abilities.
