What is an inference?

A hint and author gives in the story
A detail, the author provides in a text
Conclusion, based on what an author states, and does not state
An idea that an author explicitly states

An inference is a conclusion that is drawn or derived based on the information or evidence provided in a text, even if not explicitly stated by the author. It involves reading between the lines and using reasoning skills to make an educated guess or assumption about what is being communicated.