Explicit vs Implicit Information

<h3>What's the difference?</h3>

<p><strong>Explicit information</strong> is stated directly in the text — it is obvious and on the surface.</p>

<p><strong>Implicit information</strong> is hinted at or suggested. You must read between the lines and make an <em>inference</em>.</p>

<h3>Explicit Example</h3>

<blockquote>"The house had not been cleaned for months."</blockquote>

<p>Explicitly tells us the house is dirty.</p>

<h3>Implicit Example</h3>

<blockquote>"Cobwebs draped every corner and the air tasted of dust."</blockquote>

<p>Implicitly suggests neglect — we infer it is dirty and possibly abandoned without being told directly.</p>

<h3>Key Skill: Inference</h3>

<ul>

<li>Use evidence from the text to support what is <em>implied</em></li>

<li>Show your reasoning: <strong>"This suggests…", "This implies…", "The reader can infer…"</strong></li>

<li>Never make a claim without quoting evidence</li>

</ul>