Which statement best distinguishes a fact from an inference in text analysis?

• A. Facts are verifiable; inference is a reasoned conclusion based on evidence; cite the provided evidence to support the inference.
• B. Facts are opinions; inference is a fact.
• C. Inference is verifiable; facts are assumptions.
• D. Facts require speculation; inferences are proven.

Answer: (A)

In text analysis, a fact is a statement that can be verified through evidence from the text or reliable sources. An inference is a reasoned conclusion drawn from that evidence—what you interpret or conclude based on clues the author provides. The best choice matches this distinction and notes that you should cite the evidence that supports the inference, showing how the conclusion follows from what the text actually shows.

For example, if the text states that a character shivered and pulled their coat tighter, you can treat those details as facts. From those facts, you might infer that the character is cold or the setting is chilly. The key is that the inference rests on the evidence and you can point to the specific lines that support it.

Other options mix up the ideas: facts aren’t opinions and inferences aren’t facts; an inference isn’t something that is directly verifiable in the same way as a fact; and facts don’t inherently require speculation.