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- Reading for meaning: explicit, implicit and inference
Reading for meaning: explicit, implicit and inference
At Key Stage 3 you learned to find information and read between the lines. GCSE reading questions build on exactly this skill, so let's sharpen it.
Explicit and implicit
Explicit information is stated directly: you can point to it.
Implicit information is suggested: you work it out from clues.
The writer implies (suggests). You, the reader, infer (work it out).
Implicit information is suggested: you work it out from clues.
The writer implies (suggests). You, the reader, infer (work it out).
Practice extract
Read this original extract twice. First for what happens, then for what is suggested.
Clue plus meaning
An inference always has two parts: a clue from the text and what it suggests.
What can you infer about why Mrs Okafor does not look up?
- Clue: she does not look up, even when she gives him the orange.
- Think about how the boy might feel if she stared at him.
- She avoids making him feel ashamed of being given food.
Answer: She is being tactful: by not looking at him, she lets him accept the orange without embarrassment.
Explicit = stated. Implicit = suggested. Every inference needs a clue from the text and an explanation of what it suggests, using words like 'suggests' or 'implies'.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
Check you have got it
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