Source enquiry skills;Inference and portrayal

Aim:To be able to demonstrate that a source can often provide more information that is stated or shown.To be able to make inferences from sources.

Inference

• Inference is a word used to describe something you have worked out from a source, even though it is not shown or stated.

• The small details can be important.• Unit 3 exam will usually begin with

an inference question generally about 6 marks.

Inference

If you are looking at a cartoon or picture think about:

• What details have been included• What is the centre of attention (and how

has the artist made it the centre of attention)

• Whether people have been shown interacting with each other

• Whether anything has been deliberately missed out.

Inference

If you are looking at written text think about:

• the tone of the author• what kind of language has been used• what is their attitude/opinionWhatever the source is you must not just

describe what you can see.Refer to detail in the source to support your

answer.

Summary

• An inference is information that can be worked out from a source even if it is not stated or shown in the details. Portrayal is about the image or message created by the source.

• In your answers make it clear what it is that you have worked out and which part of the source has helped you make that inference or understand the portrayal.

Practice timeSource AEther Day – 1846 operation using ether as an anaesthetic.

What can you infer from Source A about doctor’s attitudes to the use of ether? 6 marks

Practice timeSometimes the question will give the inference and ask you to show how they made it. E.g.

Source AEther Day – 1846 operation using ether as an anaesthetic.

How does this painting portray the importance of ether in the development of surgery?

6 marks

Practice timeSource B: from a notice issued by Dr John Hall in 1855 during the Crimean War: Dr Hall was Chief of the medical staff of the British army in the Crimea.

Dr Hall takes this opportunity of warning medical officers against the use of chloroform in the severe shock of gunshot wounds, as he thinks few will survive if it used. It is much better to hear a man scream lustily than it is see him sink silently into his grave. But Dr Hall knows that public opinion, based on mistaken kindness, is against him.What can you infer from Source B about attitudes about the safety of using chloroform as an anaesthetic?

6marks

Practice timeSource B: from a notice issued by Dr John Hall in 1855 during the Crimean War: Dr Hall was Chief of the medical staff of the British army in the Crimea.

Dr Hall takes this opportunity of warning medical officers against the use of chloroform in the severe shock of gunshot wounds, as he thinks few will survive if it used. It is much better to hear a man scream lustily than it is see him sink silently into his grave. But Dr Hall knows that public opinion, based on mistaken kindness, is against him.How does Source B portray the fears some people had about the use of chloroform?

6marks