What is the difference between a fact and an inference in reading comprehension?

• A. A fact can be verified; an inference is a reasoned conclusion drawn from evidence in the text.
• B. A fact is an opinion.
• C. An inference can be proven.
• D. Facts and inferences are the same.

Answer: (A)

In reading, you separate what is directly supported by the text from what you figure out using clues. A fact is a statement that can be verified with evidence from the text or with observable data; it’s objective and checkable. An inference is a reasoned conclusion you draw from the clues the author provides, along with your own reasoning, and it should be supported by the text but isn’t stated outright.

For example, if the text says, “Jason lifted his umbrella as he stepped outside,” that’s a fact you can point to. An inference would be, “It is probably raining outside,” which uses the clue about the umbrella to reach a conclusion.

The correct statement captures that difference: a fact can be verified, while an inference is a reasoned conclusion drawn from evidence in the text. The other options mix up the ideas—facts aren’t opinions, inferences aren’t necessarily proven beyond all doubt, and facts and inferences aren’t the same.