5 Tips for Inference Questions

Inference can be defined as the process of drawing of a conclusion based on the available evidence plus previous knowledge and experience In teacher-speak, inference questions are the types of questions that involve reading between the lines

SBQ – Inference

1. Firstly read or look at the source or sources carefully and write down the obvious things it is telling you Make sure you keep the question in mind
2. Secondly look beyond the obvious and see what you can infer
3. Write down what you have inferred and use the source to back you up

1. Reassess the question The nature of the question implies that there are only a finite number of statements that could be true “BASED” on the argument or statements
2. Don’t be fooled by “half-right” answers
3. Examine the scope
4. Eliminate extreme language
5. Ignore the assumptions

4 paragraphs

six paragraphs

You should make a point, back it up with evidence, then explain what this evidence shows For top marks you need to evaluate these points, but show that your argument is stronger Finally, finish with a conclusion This is where you summarise your argument without adding any new points, and give a final answer

In this section you must:

1. Include background information to this topic This should be 2-3 sentences putting your essay in context
2. Set out your argument for the marker You must say which factor is the most important and give your reason why
3. Finally, you must list the other factors you will discuss in your essay

Point, Evidence, Explain, Link

10 pages

The word limit for a 25 marks essay is word

Typically this would take up 3-5 pages of A4 lined paper Your introduction should set up the debate that is put forward in the question Each point should be made in their own separate paragraphs, and should link back to the question

Write to the point – If for a 15 mark question you are writing pages to the point you can get 11–12 marks which is good enough If you are not quite sure about the answer but just wanna fill the pages then go for rule of half ie for a 5 mark question 25- 3 pages and 10 mark question 5–6 pages

17 lines

2 marks questions should be written maximum in 2 to 3 lines ie 30 to 40 words The answer needs to be a bit explanatory but should not include too many details The board gives step markings for the answers ie for diagrams, terms, etc

5 mark question should be around 70 words Ensure that all important words should be underlined and highlighted properly irrespective of marks they carry

Aim for a paragraph with 6-8 lines of writing Remember not to spend too much time on your 5 marker though, as it is worth 125% of the marks for a section, and move on to your 10 marker if you spend 2 minutes more on it than you should