Final answer:
Combining what you read with what you know to draw a conclusion is called making an inference. It involves using logic and prior knowledge to 'read between the lines,' enhancing comprehension and critical analysis of a text.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you combine what you read with what you already know, you are making an inference. An inference is a conclusion reached by applying logic to the evidence presented in the text, as well as your existing knowledge. It's a crucial component of reading comprehension and critical analysis, enabling you to understand and evaluate what you read more deeply. For instance, if a passage in a book describes stormy weather and the last known position of a ship without explicitly stating its fate, you could infer that the ship was likely wrecked in the storm based on the clues given.
Inference goes beyond simply identifying the main message of a paper. It involves engaging with the text at a level where you use careful reasoning to draw conclusions from the presented information and your prior knowledge. In essence, inference allows you to 'read between the lines,' which enhances your understanding and increases your engagement with the text.