Making inferences is a crucial skill that allows readers to delve deeper into characters and events in a story by connecting the dots between what is explicitly stated and what is implied. Inferences require readers to use their own experiences, knowledge, and context clues from the text to fill in the gaps and draw conclusions that the author may not directly state.
For example, consider a character who is consistently portrayed as avoiding eye contact during conversations and speaking in short, clipped sentences. While the text may not explicitly declare that the character is nervous or anxious, a reader can infer that these behaviors suggest insecurity or discomfort. This understanding can shift the reader's perception of the character's motivations and emotions, influencing how they view the character's actions and relationships with others.
In this way, making inferences enriches the reading experience by providing a more nuanced understanding of characters, their relationships, and the thematic elements of the story.
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