Hi, I’m Hiroshi Tanaka, and in this lesson, I’ll teach you how to develop one of the most advanced IELTS Reading abilities — Critical Reading & Inference.
This skill separates Band 6 readers from Band 8–9 candidates. While most students only read for facts, high scorers read for implications, tone, and author perspective. By mastering inference, you’ll understand the hidden meaning behind the text and select answers confidently even when the wording changes.
Inference means understanding something that the writer implies but does not state directly.
For example:
“Despite years of investment, the system still fails to meet safety standards.”
The writer doesn’t say it directly, but we can infer that the system is unsuccessful or poorly managed.
In IELTS, inference helps you answer True/False/Not Given, Yes/No/Not Given, and Attitude or Opinion questions correctly.
Critical reading means analysing how and why a writer presents information — not just what is written. It involves:
It’s like reading with both logic and curiosity.
IELTS texts often contain subtle evaluations or contrasts:
To score highly, you must detect these shades of meaning quickly.
1️⃣ Identify the Question Type
Look for words like suggests, implies, or according to the writer.
These signal that inference or evaluation is required, not simple factual recall.
2️⃣ Read Between the Lines
Ask:
3️⃣ Detect Opinion Words
Academic texts often hide opinion behind cautious language. Watch for tone markers:
Positive | Neutral | Negative |
beneficial, valuable, effective | reasonable, possible, consistent | limited, problematic, unlikely |
Recognising these helps you sense the author’s evaluation.
4️⃣ Analyse Linking Words
Discourse markers show logical direction:
When you see “however” or “despite,” expect the writer’s opinion to shift — often a clue to inference.
5️⃣ Check for Evidence vs. Opinion
Facts are verifiable (dates, data). Opinions include adjectives or modals (should, may, might).
Understanding this distinction is key in “Yes/No/Not Given” questions.
Question:
What can be inferred about the writer’s opinion on social media?
Passage Extract:
“Although social media has connected people globally, concerns remain about its impact on mental health.”
✅ Inference: The writer sees both benefits and drawbacks — a balanced or cautious attitude.
Incorrect inference: “The writer dislikes social media.” → too extreme.
Tone | Language Signal | Inference |
Positive | “significant progress,” “remarkable results” | Approves or supports |
Negative | “limited effect,” “worrying trend” | Disapproves or criticises |
Neutral / Balanced | “some advantages, some disadvantages” | Objective discussion |
Mistake | Reason | Fix |
Reading too literally | Missing implied meaning | Look for tone and contrast |
Guessing attitude | No textual support | Base inference on actual evidence |
Confusing opinion and fact | Misreading adjectives | Identify judgmental words |
Ignoring qualifiers | Missing subtle meaning | Watch for words like “slightly,” “largely,” “potentially” |
Strategy | Description | Benefit |
Paragraph mapping | Write short notes for each paragraph’s viewpoint | Helps track argument flow |
Tone tracking | Circle positive/negative terms | Reveals author’s stance |
Inference elimination | Remove extreme or unsupported options | Narrows to logical answer |
Compare Q–A phrasing | Identify paraphrasing of opinions | Boosts accuracy on subtle questions |
Text:
“The proposal may improve efficiency, but it risks reducing staff morale.”
Question:
What is the writer’s attitude?
✅ Answer: Mixed / Balanced — sees both benefit and concern.
Spend 6–8 minutes per passage section involving inference or attitude questions.
Always confirm your answer has textual support — never rely on outside knowledge or opinion.
High-band readers don’t overthink — they follow the writer’s logic. They quickly spot evaluation markers (“however,” “although,” “in fact”) and match them to attitude shifts. They also use tone recognition, not emotional guessing.
Critical Reading & Inference allow you to uncover deeper meaning, recognise tone, and answer high-level IELTS questions accurately. Practise identifying the writer’s viewpoint, purpose, and subtle implications across a variety of topics.
Next, continue with Understanding Research-Style Texts to learn how to analyse academic reports and journal-like passages effectively.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy page for your complete foundation.
For additional practice, explore the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests section.
Get the latest IELTS reading tips and practice materials directly to your inbox.
Your dedicated path to Band 7+ IELTS success. Master every skill with expert guidance and tailored…
