In reading comprehension, what does "inferencing" mean?

Inferencing is the ability to draw conclusions based on text clues. This skill allows readers to go beyond the literal meaning of the words on the page and make logical deductions about the ideas being presented. When readers infer, they utilize hints and implications found in the text, along with their own background knowledge, to understand deeper meanings or to fill in gaps that the author may have left. This process is essential for grasping themes, character motivations, and the overall message of the narrative.

The other options focus on different reading skills that do not pertain directly to the process of making inferences. Recalling facts verbatim is oriented toward memory retrieval rather than interpretation. Identifying vocabulary words relates to understanding language rather than drawing conclusions. Summarizing involves condensing information rather than deducing new insights based on the information provided. Thus, the correct answer highlights the critical skill of drawing conclusions from the text, which is fundamental to effective reading comprehension.