Here's a breakdown:
* Evidence: You start with some information, like a fact, observation, or a piece of text.
* Reasoning: You use your knowledge, experience, and logic to connect the dots and draw a conclusion.
* Inference: The conclusion you reach based on the evidence and reasoning.
Here's an example:
* Evidence: You see a wet sidewalk and hear thunder in the distance.
* Reasoning: You know that rain makes sidewalks wet and thunder often accompanies rain.
* Inference: You infer that it has been raining recently.
Key points about inferences:
* They're not guesses: They're based on evidence and logical thinking.
* They can be strong or weak: A strong inference is based on solid evidence and clear reasoning, while a weak inference might be based on limited information or flawed logic.
* They can be challenged: If new evidence emerges, your inference might need to be revised.
Making inferences is a crucial skill in many areas:
* Reading comprehension: Understanding the author's intended meaning even when it's not directly stated.
* Problem-solving: Using clues to figure out solutions and predict outcomes.
* Social interactions: Understanding people's unspoken thoughts and emotions.
In short, making inferences allows us to go beyond the literal and understand the bigger picture. It's a key part of how we learn, communicate, and make sense of the world around us.