What is the process of drawing meaning from clues in a text called?

The process of drawing meaning from clues in a text is known as inference. Inference involves readers using their background knowledge, context, and textual evidence to arrive at conclusions or understand ideas that are not explicitly stated. This cognitive process allows readers to connect the dots and grasp deeper meanings that go beyond the literal information provided.

For example, if a character in a story is described as frowning and crossing their arms while another character is speaking, readers can infer that the character might be upset or disapproving, even if this feeling isn’t directly stated. Inference is a critical skill in reading comprehension as it enhances a reader's ability to engage with and interpret literature or informational texts.

This concept contrasts with other options like deduction, which typically involves logical reasoning to arrive at a conclusion based on established premises; interpretation, which is more about explaining the meaning or significance of something; and summation, which is the act of briefly stating the main points or ideas. These processes serve different functions in understanding and analyzing texts but do not specifically address the act of drawing meaning from implicit clues as effectively as inference does.