Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will confidently identify explicit and implicit information in unseen fiction extracts (AO1), explain inferences with supporting evidence, and select relevant detail under timed conditions for the AQA GCSE English Language 8700 exam. You will be able to recognise and articulate what can be inferred from character, setting, and event, using clear quotations and concise explanations.
AQA GCSE English Language 8700 Syllabus
For AQA GCSE English Language 8700, unseen fiction reading requires you to:
- Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas from texts (AO1)
- Select precise evidence from the text to support points (AO1)
- Demonstrate comprehension by summarising what is clearly stated and what is suggested
- Apply these analysis skills to unfamiliar fiction extracts from Paper 1, Question 1
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- In a fiction extract, how do you tell if information is explicit or implicit? Provide one example of each.
- Given the line: "Ben clenched his fists and stared at the floor," what can you infer about Ben's mood?
- What are two strategies for selecting short, effective quotations to support your inferences?
Introduction
Unseen fiction extracts test both your ability to find facts (literal comprehension) and to interpret what is hinted at (inference). To succeed in the AQA GCSE English Language exam, you must distinguish between information that is directly stated and ideas that are suggested by details in the text. This article guides you in identifying explicit information, making logical inferences, and using evidence effectively.
Key Term: explicit
Information or ideas that are stated clearly and directly in the text—there is no need to “work out” what is meant.Key Term: implicit
Information or meaning that is suggested or hinted at in the text, not directly stated, requiring you to “read between the lines.”Key Term: inference
A conclusion or interpretation that you draw from clues in the text, usually about something the writer does not say plainly.
Literal Comprehension (Explicit Information - AO1)
For Paper 1, Question 1, you must locate clear facts or details from a set section of an unseen fiction extract. These facts can usually be given in your own words or as short quotations. There is no need for detailed analysis—just show that you understand what the text says.
Worked Example 1.1
Read this extract:
The kitchen was silent except for the ticking of the clock. Anna sat at the table, a mug of cold tea in front of her. The window was open, and the autumn breeze moved the curtains gently.
Question: List four things from this part of the text about the kitchen or Anna.
Answer:
- The kitchen was silent.
- A clock was ticking.
- Anna sat at the table.
- There was a mug of cold tea.
Exam Warning
Do not add information that you “think” should be true; only include details that are actually stated in the lines given. You won’t earn marks for interpretation or extra explanation—stick strictly to clear facts.
Inference (Implicit Information - AO1)
To infer is to deduce what the writer is suggesting without telling you directly. You must gather clues from words about characters, feelings, or settings, and then explain what they suggest, always backing up your point with a phrase or quotation.
Worked Example 1.2
Extract:
Ben shut the door quietly and avoided making eye contact with anyone in the hallway. He slipped upstairs, his shoes barely making a sound.
Question: What can you infer about how Ben feels in this scene?
Answer:
Ben seems to want to avoid attention. The phrase “avoided making eye contact” suggests he may be anxious or uncomfortable, and “slipped upstairs, his shoes barely making a sound” implies he is trying not to be noticed, perhaps because he feels guilty or wants to be left alone.Key Term: evidence
A word, phrase or short quotation from the text that supports your answer or inference.
Revision Tip
To write an effective inference, use a sentence starter such as “This suggests that…” or “This implies…” and always link your quote to your reasoning in clear, simple language.
Selecting Evidence
For all AO1 comprehension tasks, AQA examiners want precise, concise evidence. Use short quotations, ideally just a few words. If you paraphrase, ensure your statement reflects the actual wording of the text.
Worked Example 1.3
Extract:
“The storm hammered against the windows as she wrapped the blanket tighter around herself.”
Question: What might you infer about the weather and the character’s state of mind?
Answer:
The verb “hammered” shows the storm is violent and loud. Her action—“wrapped the blanket tighter”—suggests she might be frightened or seeking comfort during the bad weather.
Differentiating Explicit and Implicit Information
You’ll pick up easy marks by being clear on this difference:
- Explicit: The facts anyone would agree are in the text ("She sat by the window.")
- Implicit: What is implied by details or behaviour ("She sat by the window, staring into the dark" implies she may be anxious or lost in thought.)
Key Term: literal comprehension
Understanding and accurately stating what is clearly written in the text, without interpretation or speculation.
Summary
For unseen fiction reading, always separate what is directly stated from what is suggested. Answer literal comprehension questions by locating precise facts, and inference questions by finding clues and explaining what they suggest. Use concise quotations as evidence throughout.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- The difference between explicit and implicit information in fiction texts (AO1)
- How to select relevant, concise evidence for literal and inferential comprehension
- The definition of inference and how to explain your reasoning using a quotation
Key Terms and Concepts
- explicit
- implicit
- inference
- evidence
- literal comprehension