Here's how it works:
* Clues: These are hints, details, or suggestions within the text that point to something beyond the literal words.
* Prior Knowledge: This is the information and experiences you already have, which helps you interpret the clues.
* Deriving Meaning: By combining clues with your prior knowledge, you can make logical deductions and draw conclusions about the text, even if the information isn't explicitly stated.
For example:
* Text: "The man walked into the room, his face pale and his shoulders slumped."
* Clue: The description of the man's appearance (pale, slumped) suggests he's feeling unwell or troubled.
* Prior Knowledge: You know that pale skin and slumped posture are often associated with fatigue, stress, or sadness.
* Inference: You can infer that the man is likely feeling stressed or unhappy.
Inference is a crucial skill in reading comprehension, as it allows you to understand the deeper meaning and nuances of a text, even when not all information is directly stated.