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English: deduction

Deduction questions ask you to work out facts that the text implies but does not say, using clues like a detective. Every deduction must be provable from the words on the page.

What is tested

  • Drawing conclusions from clues
  • Working out who did something or what is true
  • Distinguishing what is stated from what is only possible

Worked example

The case had no broken glass and no forced catch, but it was unlocked. What can you deduce?

  1. No force was used.
  2. So whoever opened it either had a key or the door was left unlocked.
  3. It was not broken into.

Answer: The case was not forced open

Exam-day checklist

  • List the facts given in the text.
  • Ask what must be true if those facts are true.
  • Reject conclusions that are only possible.
  • Point to the evidence.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing something plausible that is not proven.
  • Ignoring a clue that contradicts your answer.
  • Mixing a fact with a guess.

Try it yourself

1. The floor was wet and Priya's shoes were muddy. What can you deduce?

Show answer

Priya may have walked in from outside

Mud suggests she was outside; it is likely, but only mud is stated, so the answer is 'may'.

2. All the clocks in the house had stopped, but every clock had been dusted. What does this suggest?

Show answer

Someone still maintains them

They are cleaned, so someone looks after them.

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