Here's a breakdown:
* Evidence: This is the information you have available, like facts, observations, or data.
* Reasoning: This is the process of using logic and critical thinking to connect the evidence and arrive at a conclusion.
* Inference: This is the conclusion you draw based on the evidence and your reasoning.
Examples:
* Evidence: You see someone walking quickly with a wet umbrella.
* Reasoning: People walk quickly when they're in a hurry, and wet umbrellas suggest it's been raining.
* Inference: The person was caught in the rain and is rushing to get somewhere.
* Evidence: You see a bowl of fruit on a table with an empty plate next to it.
* Reasoning: Empty plates typically indicate that food was eaten.
* Inference: Someone ate fruit from the bowl.
Key points about inference statements:
* They are not direct statements of fact. They are conclusions drawn from available information.
* They can be right or wrong. The strength of an inference depends on the quality and quantity of evidence and the soundness of reasoning.
* They are often used in everyday life and in academic disciplines. We make inferences constantly to understand the world around us.
In summary, an inference statement is a logical leap based on evidence and reasoning, allowing us to draw conclusions beyond what is explicitly stated.