Session 5: Reading for Information Explicit vs Implicit

While writing the OSSLT it is important to realize that the answers do not always come straight from the readings within it (Explicit-in the book). Sometimes the test will ask you to connect your own knowledge to the readings (Implicit-in your head). As a result, it is important to know when you should look for the information in the text versus when you need to fill in the gaps with your own information.

• Explicit or “In the Book” questions: the answers to these types of questions are stated clearly in the text.

• Implicit or “In My Head” questions: these questions require you to use ideas that are implied in the text (not clearly stated) so you need to draw a conclusion. Or, you have to include some of your own knowledge in order to answer the question.

• There are two types of explicit questions:
  • “Right There”: the information you need to answer the question is stated in ONE place in the text. An example would be locating the main idea or a supporting detail especially those which answer “who,” “what,” “where,” and “when”.
  • “Think and Search”: where you have to use two or more pieces of information stated in the text to answer the question.

• For example, in the practice test you were asked to state why Pemberton’s appointment as poet laureate was newsworthy. In order to answer this you’d need some ideas about what makes a story newsworthy. In this case the article states that his appointment is unusual and controversial, two of the characteristics that make a story appealing.
• Generally implicit questions are where students struggle...practice, practice, practice!!!