How do I draw a conclusion from evidence in the text?
Combine several clues to make a careful judgement about characters, relationships or events.
Step-by-step approach for Year 5-6
- Collect two or three clues that connect to the question.
- Decide what conclusion those clues point towards.
- Use cautious language such as it seems, this suggests or we can tell.
- Explain how the evidence works together.
What to look for
- Repeated patterns in how characters speak or behave.
- Contrasts between what a character says and what they do.
- Evidence from more than one part of the passage.
- Details that reveal trust, conflict, fear, kindness or control.
Worked example
Example question
What can you tell about the relationship between the two characters?
Short extract
Noah moved the chair closer before Gran had to ask. She smiled at him and tapped the empty seat beside her.
Model answer
Noah and Gran seem to have a close, caring relationship. Noah notices what she needs before she asks, and Gran's smile suggests she appreciates and trusts him.
Exam tip
Deduction questions often need more than one clue. A strong answer joins the clues together instead of relying on a single word.