In reading comprehension, what does it mean to infer meaning?

Inferring meaning in reading comprehension involves understanding implied meanings based on the context surrounding the text. This skill goes beyond merely taking the words at face value; it requires readers to piece together information and cues from the surrounding sentences or paragraphs to grasp what is suggested but not explicitly stated.

For example, if a character in a story is described as shivering and looking towards a window during a described storm, a reader can infer that the character feels cold and concerned about the weather, even though it may not be directly stated. This ability to read between the lines and make connections enhances comprehension and enables readers to engage more deeply with the text.

In contrast, extracting the literal meaning focuses solely on what is explicitly presented, without considering any underlying nuances. Guessing the author's intent leans more toward assumptions without sufficient textual evidence, and simplifying the text omits the richness of meaning that can be derived from careful interpretation. Thus, understanding implied meanings based on context is a crucial aspect of effective reading comprehension.