Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions

Definitions An inference is a logical conclusion that is based on what an author has stated. A conclusion is a decision, opinion, or judgment reached after thoughtful consideration of material you have read. Inferences and conclusions go beyond what the author has stated, but they are based on what the author has stated.

Helpful to Know Authors sometimes state their important conclusion(s) at the end of a section or chapter. When authors state their important conclusion, they often introduce it with words and phrases such as Therefore, Thus, In conclusion, Consequently, and The point is. (Note: a stated conclusion is often the main idea as well.)

The Technique Read the material carefully. Ask yourself, “What logical inference or conclusion does the author expect me to make?” There may be more than one important inference or conclusion to draw. (There will not always be inferences or conclusions to draw, however.)

The Edge: Pointers from the Coach Putting information from the paragraph into your own words does not make that information an inference or conclusion. Imply means to send a message by hinting or suggesting something, without stating it outright. Infer means to “pick up” on and interpret an implied message.