TEAS Reading: How to Make Inferences
Some TEAS Reading questions require you to understand information that the author does not state directly. Instead, you have to use clues from the passage to reach a reasonable conclusion. This is called making an inference.
What Is an Inference?
An inference is a conclusion you reach based on evidence. Think of it as: Textual clues + reasoning = inference For example, imagine a passage says that a student arrived at school carrying an umbrella, wearing a raincoat, and shaking water from their shoes. The passage may never directly say that it was raining, but the details strongly support that conclusion.
Look for Multiple Clues
Avoid making an inference based on one isolated word. Instead, look for several details that point toward the same conclusion. Ask:
- What information does the author provide?
- What do those details suggest?
- What conclusion is best supported?
Don't Add Unnecessary Assumptions
An inference should be reasonable and supported by the passage. If a passage says someone is carrying an umbrella, you can reasonably infer that rain may be involved. You cannot automatically infer that the person lives in a particular city or has a particular job unless the passage provides evidence.
Distinguish Inference From Guessing
A guess does not necessarily have evidence behind it. An inference should have a clear connection to information in the passage. When answering a question, ask yourself: What part of the passage supports my answer?” If you cannot identify supporting information, reconsider your choice.
Pay Attention to Tone
Sometimes an author's word choice can help you infer an attitude. For example, repeated positive descriptions may suggest approval, while strongly negative language may indicate criticism.
Practice With Short Passages
After reading a paragraph, write one sentence answering: “What can I reasonably conclude from this information?” Then identify the exact clues that led you to your conclusion.
Final Takeaway
Making inferences is not about guessing what the author meant. It is about combining clues from the passage and using logical reasoning to reach a conclusion that the evidence supports.
