Which term refers to a piece of information that is implied but not explicitly stated by the author?

The term that refers to a piece of information that is implied but not explicitly stated by the author is inference. Making an inference involves drawing conclusions based on the details provided in the text, as well as prior knowledge and context. This process allows readers to understand deeper meanings and themes that the author may not directly state, enriching their comprehension of the material.

Other terms in the choices serve different purposes. Observation relates to the act of noticing and describing what is explicitly presented in the text without interpretation. Interpretation involves explaining or providing meaning to a text or a particular element of it, but it is often based on one's own perspective rather than solely what is implied. Summation refers to the act of summarizing the main points or ideas of a text, which also does not involve the process of deriving implied information. Therefore, inference is distinctly centered on reading between the lines to uncover meaning not directly articulated by the author.