What this lesson teaches
I can explain how people from different groups meet and mix in common spaces.
Syllabus K336, Issue 2, Guiding Question 2. Interactions in a diverse society and common space
Make a guess
A question asks what Source A suggests about a new law. A student copies out the whole source. How well do you think this will score?
- Full marks, because each detail is included.
- Low, because copying describes rather than infers.
- Fairly well, if the copying is accurate, neat and complete.
Show the answer
Low, because copying describes rather than infers.
An inference is a point the source shows but does not state. Make the point, quote the detail and explain the link.
An inference is a point the source does not state outright but that its details show. Support each inference with evidence.
An inference question asks "What does Source A suggest about...?" or "What can you infer from Source A about...?" It is usually worth 5 marks.
Describing or copying the source keeps you at the lowest level. To climb, make a point the source does not say directly, then quote the detail that shows it, then explain how the detail leads to your point.
The top answers give two different inferences, each supported. Some schemes also reward an inference about the author's attitude, for example that the writer is worried or approving.
- Inference
- A point the source shows but does not say, backed by a quoted detail and explained.
Worked example: The inference ladder
Source: a resident says, "At first I only collected my food pack. Now volunteers know my name and I help welcome newcomers."
- Level 1, describes: "The resident collects food and helps newcomers." This only repeats the source.
- Level 2, one supported inference: "Source A suggests that the programme made the resident feel they belong. The evidence is that volunteers 'know my name'."
- Level 3, two supported inferences: add "It also suggests that people who are helped can become helpers, as the resident now 'helps welcome newcomers'."
- Top marks: explain each link, for example that being known by name builds trust, which makes the resident want to give back.
Watch out for this
If I summarise the whole source, I have answered an inference question.
A summary repeats what is said. An inference states something the source shows but does not say, backed by a quoted detail.
Check your understanding
Which sentence is an inference, not a description?
- The source was written by a resident of the estate.
- The writer lists three activities in the estate.
- The writer seems proud of the estate and its people.
Show the answer
The writer seems proud of the estate and its people.
Right. The source may not say "proud", but its details can show it.