Here's a breakdown:
* Inference is the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning. In reading, this means using clues within the text to figure out things that are not directly stated.
* Word choice patterns can provide clues about the author's tone, style, or the characters' personalities.
* Events can hint at cause and effect relationships, foreshadowing, or the overall plot direction.
* Other clues might include setting descriptions, character interactions, and even the title or subtitle.
For example, if a story describes a character walking through a dark and stormy forest, the reader might infer that the character is feeling scared or lost.
In essence, inference is the act of "reading between the lines" to understand the deeper meaning of a text.