Inference & Deduction
Reading between the lines to work out what is implied but not directly stated. Often the highest-mark questions.
What is Inference & Deduction?
Inference means working out something that the writer suggests but does not say directly. It is like being a detective – you use clues in the text to figure out what is really happening or how a character feels.
These questions often carry the most marks in a comprehension paper. You need to find evidence in the text and explain what it tells you. The PEE structure (Point, Evidence, Explain) is very useful here.
Step-by-Step Method
Identify what you need to infer
The question might ask how a character feels, what they are thinking, or what the writer is suggesting.
Find evidence in the text
Look for specific words, phrases or actions that give you clues about the answer.
Make your point (P)
State clearly what you think the answer is.
Give your evidence (E)
Quote from the text to support your point. Use quotation marks.
Explain (E)
Explain HOW your evidence supports your point. This is the most important part.
Worked Examples
“Tom slammed the door and threw his bag across the room.” How does Tom feel?
Working
- Point: Tom is feeling angry or frustrated.
- Evidence: He “slammed the door” and “threw his bag”.
- Explain: The forceful actions of slamming and throwing suggest strong negative emotions, most likely anger.
“Mrs Chen glanced at the clock for the third time and tapped her fingers on the desk.” What can you infer about Mrs Chen?
Working
- Point: Mrs Chen is impatient or anxious about time.
- Evidence: She “glanced at the clock for the third time” and “tapped her fingers”.
- Explain: Repeatedly checking the clock suggests she is worried about time, and tapping fingers is a sign of impatience or nervousness.
“The garden gate creaked as it swung open. Weeds had claimed the path, and the windows stared blankly.” What does this suggest about the house?
Working
- The creaking gate, overgrown weeds and blank windows all suggest neglect.
- Evidence: “creaked”, “weeds had claimed”, “stared blankly”.
- These details suggest the house has been empty or abandoned for some time.
Common Mistakes
Stating an opinion without any evidence from the text.
Always include a quote or specific reference to the text to support your point.
Confusing inference with retrieval – just copying what the text says rather than reading between the lines.
Inference is about what is SUGGESTED, not what is directly stated. Go beyond the literal meaning.
Not explaining HOW the evidence supports your point.
The explanation is the most important part. Do not just give a quote – say what it shows or suggests.
Top Tips
- Use PEE: Point, Evidence, Explain. This structure will help you write strong inference answers.
- Look for: character actions, dialogue, descriptions of setting, weather and atmosphere.
- Use phrases like “this suggests that…”, “this implies…”, “this tells the reader that…”.
- Inference questions often start with “How does the writer show…”, “What impression do you get…”, or “What does this suggest about…”.
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