What term best describes the process of connecting background knowledge with clues in the text to derive an underlying idea?

The process of connecting background knowledge with clues in the text to derive an underlying idea is accurately described by the term inferring. Inferring involves reading between the lines and understanding what is not directly stated in the text. When readers infer, they draw on their own experiences and knowledge to make connections and develop a deeper understanding of the content. This skill is crucial for comprehension, as it allows readers to uncover themes, main ideas, or emotions that are implied rather than explicitly described.

Visualizing involves creating mental images based on the text, which is important for understanding but does not necessarily involve connecting background knowledge in the same way. Predicting requires anticipation of what might happen next in the narrative or argument, relying on patterns and cues but not directly linking background knowledge with text clues to develop meaning. Summarizing is about condensing information into a shorter form without necessarily interpreting or connecting background knowledge.