Which of the following describes an inference?

• A. A logical conclusion drawn from observations.
• B. Something you observe with your senses.
• C. A guess about the future that is not based on observations.
• D. A fact that can be measured.

Answer: (A)

An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from clues you observe and what you already know. It’s not just what you see or hear, but what those observations suggest about the world. For example, if you see dark clouds gathering and a strong wind, you can infer that a storm is coming. If you notice footprints, a broken twig, and a muddy path, you might infer that someone walked there recently. This relies on reasoning to explain what the clues mean. It’s different from simply describing what you observe with your senses, which would be an observation. It’s also different from guessing about the future without evidence, which isn’t based on clues. And it’s not just a measurable fact itself, since an inference is the explanation you reach from the evidence.