FAQ: INFERENCE
CURRENTLY ONE QUESTION
1. There are so many possible answers to some inferential
questions – how can I be sure which is right?
CURRENTLY ONE QUESTION
1. There are so many possible answers to some inferential
questions – how can I be sure which is right?
In reality, there are not ‘so many possible answers to some inferential questions’ – there is one. The possible variations will all be created in the mind of the student. The task of the assessor is to teach these students to read analytically and to answer with judgement.
There are 2 ways of knowing:
♦ use ‘writer’s intent’ and common sense as a guide
♦ use the key words in the Guide and Answer book
Writer’s intent means that the writer is directing the reader to a particular viewpoint or opinion. If the reader refers to something the writer has not alluded to then it cannot be included in their answer.
If you aren’t sure if your student is correct then ask them how they arrived at their answer.
If they are right, their explanation will include all or some of the given key words.
Conversely, if they are wrong, their explanation will include words and information that is not derived from the text.
Conversely, if they are wrong, their explanation will include words and information that is not derived from the text.