What role do inferences play in reading comprehension?

Inferences are crucial to reading comprehension because they involve the process of drawing conclusions based on clues provided in the text, along with the reader's own prior knowledge and experiences. Inferences allow readers to go beyond the written words and discover deeper meanings, relationships, and implications that are not explicitly stated. This ability to interpret and infer enables readers to engage with the text more fully, enhancing their understanding and retention of the material.

The capacity to make inferences also encourages critical thinking, as readers must analyze the information presented, assess various elements of the narrative or argument, and synthesize those elements with what they already know. This interactive process ultimately leads to a richer and more nuanced understanding of the text.