Key Takeaways
- Inferences combine text evidence with prior knowledge to reach logical conclusions
- Valid inferences must be supported by the text, not just personal opinion
- Avoid overgeneralizing or adding information not implied in the passage
- Conclusions synthesize multiple pieces of evidence for a final judgment
- TEAS inference answers often use words like "likely," "probably," or "suggests"
Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions
An inference is a logical conclusion based on evidence in the text combined with your own knowledge. The TEAS tests your ability to "read between the lines" and understand what authors imply without stating directly.
What Is an Inference?
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Inference | A logical conclusion based on text evidence and prior knowledge |
| Implication | What the author suggests without directly stating |
| Conclusion | A judgment or decision based on presented information |
| Assumption | Something taken for granted as true (often unstated) |
The Inference Formula
Text Evidence + Prior Knowledge = Valid Inference
The key is that your inference must be supported by the text. You cannot simply guess or add information that is not implied.
Types of Inferences
1. Character Inferences What can you determine about a person based on their actions, words, or descriptions?
Example: "Dr. Smith checked the patient's chart three times before prescribing medication." Inference: Dr. Smith is careful and thorough.
2. Cause-Effect Inferences What logical relationship exists between events?
Example: "After the hospital implemented mandatory hand sanitizer stations, infection rates dropped by 40%." Inference: Hand sanitizer use contributed to reduced infections.
3. Predictive Inferences What will likely happen next based on current information?
Example: "The patient's blood pressure has risen steadily over the past three readings." Inference: The trend will likely continue without intervention.
Steps for Making Valid Inferences
- Identify key facts and details in the passage
- Consider what you already know about the topic
- Combine evidence with knowledge to form a conclusion
- Verify your inference is supported by the text (not just your opinion)
Common Inference Pitfalls
| Pitfall | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Overgeneralizing | Drawing too broad a conclusion | "One hospital improved" → "All hospitals can improve" |
| Making assumptions | Adding information not in the text | Assuming details about unstated facts |
| Confusing fact and opinion | Treating an inference as stated fact | "The author definitely believes..." |
| Ignoring evidence | Drawing conclusions that contradict the text | Missing key contradicting details |
Drawing Conclusions
A conclusion synthesizes multiple pieces of information to form a final judgment. Unlike a simple inference from one detail, conclusions often require analyzing the entire passage.
Steps to Draw a Conclusion:
- Gather all relevant evidence from the passage
- Look for patterns or connections between details
- Eliminate possibilities that conflict with evidence
- State the most logical conclusion based on available information
TEAS Strategy
When answering inference questions:
- Look for answer choices that are reasonable but not explicitly stated
- Eliminate answers that go beyond what the text supports
- Choose the answer most directly supported by specific text evidence
- Watch for "could," "likely," and "probably" in correct answers
Which of the following best describes a valid inference?
A passage states: "The nurse noticed the patient grimacing whenever she moved her right arm." What inference can be made?