SAMPLE Dental Hygiene Entrance Exam Prep

Dental Hygiene Entrance Exam Preparation Study Guide

1.1.3 Inference

What is an inference? Inference is the process ofderiving a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. It allows us to go beyond the information that is explicitly stated in a passage or text and to make logical deductions based on what we know or assumes to be true.

In simple terms, to make an inference is to draw a logical conclusion from the information. Inferences are often made from literature and are sometimes called literary inferences. There are two types of inferences: literal and interpretive. Literal inferences are based on the literal, or actual, words in the text. An interpretive inference is based on the implied meaning of the words and text. Inference - Drawing a Logical Conclusion The main idea of a text can be implied through the analysis of individual sentences. To do this, we need to consider what each sentence says about the common topic, identify what is the common thread the individual sentences seem to share, and think of the idea that emerges as the author’s implied main idea. Finally, we need to think about the purpose ofthe text. Types of Inference Questions ● Factual Questions (explicit, will be clearly stated in the passage) and helps us draw factual conclusions. ● Implicit Questions which require us to look at the bigger picture. ● Clarifying Questions by understanding the meaning of a word or a phrase.

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