Reading Skills

• Explicit information is when the information is easy to find.
• Implicit information is when we made need to

  interpret the meaning.
• Inference is working out the meaning of a text from the suggestions and ideas within it.
• Using inference is looking at the text and thinking "what do these words suggest?" or "what can I deduce from this?"
• "The lawn is crisp and white" You may infer that it is frosty and cold.
• When using inference always think about the writers purpose, are they trying to present an argument, describe a location, or develop a character, who's their audience?
• When using inference always think about the style of the writing, it is critical, serious or humourous?
• Irony is when we say one thing but mean the opposite.
• When using inference, look for obvious clues. Obvious clues can be found in the beginning and ending of a text.
• Endings can be used to sum up everything that has happened.
• Adjectives are describing words.
• Verbs are doing words.
• Adverbs are words that describe verbs.
• Connotations can carry feelings or ideas.
• When using inference make sure you're using the right kind of language, phrases such as 'suggests' 'implies 'conveys' 'creates the impression that' are good to use.
• When using inference, make sure to use PEE, Point, Evidence, Explain.
• The word synthesis means to connect and combine elements to create a whole.
• Synthesis questions are always about bringing together summarised information from two texts.
• To answer a synthesis question correctly:

  1. Read the question carefully.
  2. Highlight any useful information in the two texts.
  3. Ask yourself what can you infer from each thing that you have highlighted.
  4. Use key words from the question and a general overview with what you plan to write.
• When answering a synthesis question, use words like 'similarly' and 'likely' for similarities and words like 'on the other hand' and 'in contrast' for differences. Words like 'whereas' and 'however' are good for transitions.
• At the end of a synthesis question, sum up what you have found about similarities and differences between the two texts.