What is implied information that is not directly stated by the author called?

The term for implied information that is not directly stated by the author is referred to as inference. When readers encounter texts, they often come across hints or suggestions that require them to go beyond the explicit statements made by the author. Making an inference involves drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning from the information provided, as well as integrating prior knowledge relevant to the subject.

Inferences allow readers to understand deeper meanings, themes, or implications that the author may not explicitly express. For example, if a character in a story briefly pauses before responding to a question, readers might infer that the character is feeling anxious or uncertain, even though these feelings are not clearly stated in the text.

Other options pertain to different processes of reasoning or understanding. Synthesis involves combining various pieces of information to form a comprehensive understanding. Deduction refers specifically to deriving conclusions from general principles, and extrapolation involves predicting future outcomes based on current data. While all these terms relate to reasoning, inference uniquely captures the essence of reading between the lines to grasp what is suggested but not overtly expressed.