Which term best matches the definition: a conclusion drawn from clues in the text and prior knowledge?

• A. Inference
• B. Central Idea
• C. Theme
• D. Author's Purpose

Answer: (A)

Inference is the process of drawing a conclusion from clues in the text and what you already know. This matches the definition because you combine specific details the author provides with your own knowledge to understand something not stated directly. For example, if the text notes dark clouds, a dropped umbrella, and a character shivering, you can infer that rain is coming or that the character is cold. Central idea is the main point the passage is making, theme is the deeper message, and author’s purpose is why the author wrote it. Each describes a different aspect of text reading, while inference specifically uses evidence plus prior knowledge to “read between the lines.”