What does it mean to make an inference when reading?

Making an inference when reading involves combining clues from the text with your existing knowledge or background information. This process allows you to draw conclusions that are not explicitly stated in the text. For example, if a character is described as shivering and wearing a light jacket, you might infer that the weather is cold, even if that detail is not directly mentioned. This skill is crucial in reading comprehension, as it helps readers engage more deeply with the material and understand nuances that enhance their overall interpretation of the text.

In contrast, creating a mental image of the text focuses on visualizing the setting, characters, or events, which does not necessarily require the integration of prior knowledge. Asking yourself questions about the text is a technique that can aid comprehension, but it does not directly involve the process of making inferences. Determining the main idea is about summarizing the overall message or key point of the text, which is a different skill than inferring implications from the content.