Implicit-Versus-Explicit-Meaning-aqa

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Exam code:8700

Understanding the difference between explicit and implicit meaning is key to successfully analysing texts in your GCSE exam.

Let’s explore what these two terms mean, how they affect your understanding of a text and how you can identify them effectively in your exam.

What is the difference between explicit and implicit meaning?

Explicit information refers to details and ideas that are clearly stated in the texts. These include:

Facts
Examples
Arguments
Opinions

They are presented in an obvious way to the reader. Understanding explicit ideas is generally straightforward and helps you to clearly understand the writer’s intended meaning.

Implicit information refers to the hidden meanings that are not directly stated by the writer but which need to be inferred through careful reading and analysis. Unlike explicit information which is clearly presented to the reader, implicit ideas require you to read between the lines and draw conclusions from them.

Examples of explicit and implicit meaning

Knowing the difference between explicit and implicit meaning is essential for success in your GCSE exam. It will help you to analyse texts more effectively, answer the question more accurately and demonstrate a greater understanding of the writer’s craft. Let’s examine a short extract from the June 2023 Paper 1 (opens in a new tab):

“It was the hyena that worried me. I had not forgotten Father’s words. Hyenas attack in packs whatever animal can be run down.”

Now we can explore both explicit and implicit information within this passage:

Quote	Explicit information (directly stated)	Implicit information (suggested and implied)
“It was the hyena that worried me”	The narrator is worried about the hyena	The narrator views the hyena as a potential threat to their safety, fearing it is the type of animal to attack them
“I had not forgotten Father’s words”	The narrator remembers something important his father told him	The narrator recalls their father’s warning about the dangers of hyenas, reinforcing the importance of the message
“Hyenas attack in packs whatever animal can be run down”	Hyena hunt in groups and target weaker or slower animals	The phrase “whatever animal” suggests that hyenas will hunt any animal (perhaps including humans), which adds to the narrator’s feelings of vulnerability

How to spot implicit information in an English exam

Spotting implicit information is a crucial skill that you must demonstrate in your English exam. Here’s how to identify and analyse implicit information effectively.

Read between the lines	Examine word choice and tone
Look beyond the surface level of a text and consider what the writer is suggesting and what this reveals	Identify specific words and phrases that hint at emotions, perspectives or hidden meanings
Focus on character actions and reactions	Compare with explicit information
Pay attention to how a character feels and how this is revealed through their actions and dialogue	Identify what is clearly stated and ask what can be inferred beyond these obvious details

What words to use when analysing implicit and explicit meaning

When analysing implicit and explicit meaning, using the right words can help you clearly explain your ideas and structure your argument. Below are some key words to use in your analysis.

Explicit words	Implicit words
Expressed Revealed Stated Shown Denotes Apparent Evident	Implies Suggests Hints at Alludes to Indicates Connotes Evokes

Want to get the highest grade on the reading section of the English Language papers? Dive deeper into our Reading Exam Tips section with these topics:

Using Quotes and Evidence in GCSE English Language
How to Evaluate in GCSE English Language
How to Summarise in GCSE English Language

English Language GCSE AQA

Implicit-Versus-Explicit-Meaning-aqa

What is the difference between explicit and implicit meaning?

Examples of explicit and implicit meaning

How to spot implicit information in an English exam

What words to use when analysing implicit and explicit meaning

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