An inference is an educated guess or prediction about something unknown based on available facts and information. It is the logical connection between what you observe or know and what you do not know. The writer's purpose, style, tone, and word choice influence the type of inferences that readers make. In this chapter guidelines for making inferences are given along with suggestions for recognizing the author's intended purpose, style, and tone. Additional suggestions are provided for analyzing the author's choice of words by recognizing a word's denotative meaning as well as the connotative meaning.

     Practice exercises along with three tests, three mastery tests, and a reading with cumulative review questions are provided.

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