Which statement distinguishes inference from guess?

• A. Guess uses evidence.
• B. Inference uses evidence; guess does not.
• C. Inference and guess are the same.
• D. Inference is a guess.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how we use evidence to reach conclusions. An inference is a conclusion drawn by examining clues or data and applying reasoning you already know. A guess is a conclusion formed without enough supporting evidence, more like a hunch. So saying that inference uses evidence while a guess does not best captures the difference. For example, if you see footprints on the floor and a damp umbrella by the door, you infer that someone just came in from outside and it might have rained—that conclusion rests on the clues. If you claim someone came in from outside without tying it to any clues, that’s more of a guess.