Minds On

Is that a fact?

Let’s begin by exploring this short passage.

A person in the passenger seat of a van was wearing an apron and holding a cake pan

The Passenger

What facts do we have from this passage? What do we know for sure?

Now, explore the idea of what is implied in this passage.

Press ‘Hint’ to reveal the definition and example of the word implied.

When we imply, it means that we use information we do have in the text to interpret other things about this situation. For example, it does not state who the people were in the van next to Ms. Cherry, however there are a few clues in the text that we can use in order to imply who the people might be or what they are doing.

What else can you imply about this passage?

What connections can you make to this passage?

Action

Task 1: Stated vs. implied ideas

A stated idea is often what is stated directly in the text. It is the literal meaning of the text.

An implied idea is what we can infer from the text. It is not directly in the text, and it is what we refer to as the “hidden meaning” of the text.

Let’s examine this conversation between Learner 1 and Learner 2.

Learner 1: Well, it wasn’t that difficult.

Learner 2: Yeah, the long answer part wasn’t that bad.

Learner 1: Yeah, I finished it, and had time to check over my answers.

Learner 2: Me too, and the multiple-choice questions were really easy too.

Learner 1 and Learner 2 never mention the word ‘test.’ However, you probably figured out that they were discussing a test. A test that they both felt comfortable with. This is implied because the text did not directly state that.

An example of a stated message from the text above was that Learner 1 finished. This is stated because they said that they finished and had time to check over their answers.

What else can be implied from this short passage? What else is stated? Share your ideas with a partner, if possible.

Task 2: Exploring and connecting to messaging

When we explore a text, we automatically begin making connections to that text in three different categories. Let’s explore these now.

Let’s explore these now, by pressing the following tabs.

These are the connections that we make between the text and our own knowledge and experiences. For example, in the Minds On passage about the Bakery, you may connect with the experience of driving in a vehicle, you may have witnessed something interesting on another vehicle (logo, writing, companies), you may have experienced a baked good, or you may connect to the fact that none of these things have ever happened to you.

These are the connections that we make between the text and another text we have experienced. For example, in the passage about the test, you may have experienced through another text a similar conversation between two characters. It may be similar or have some differences. That doesn’t change the fact that you are still making connections.

These are the connections that we make between the text and the world around us. For example, how we can support small businesses, or how businesses are supporting to their locate community.

Choose a short video, spoken word poem, or oral text and make at least one connection that is text-to-self, text-to-text and text-to-world. You can also explore this video about Science North in Sudbury.

Then, go back to that same oral text and find at least two stated and two implied ideas in that text. Be sure to include the evidence you used that will support your idea.

Record your responses in the following fillable and printable document Connections Table. You can also complete this activity in your notebook or using the method of your choice.

Connections Table
Oral texts Text-to-self Text-to-text Text-to-world Stated idea Implied idea

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Connections Table. 

Activity(Open PDF in a new window)

Consolidation

Create an oral text

Now it’s your turn! Create a short oral text (just a few minutes long) with at least two messages within the text where one is implied and the other is stated. Your oral text can be:

  • a short story (an original or one that you would like to perform)
  • a video (this could be a fictional piece, an informational video or a how-to video)
  • a poem (that you have created or perform one of your favourites)
  • a journal entry (a fictional piece or a real entry)
  • a different oral text

Consider re-visiting the various oral text pieces within this Learning Activity as you create your oral text.

Task 2: With a partner

Share your final product with a partner and have them identify the implied and stated messages. Then explain different connections you can make to this short oral text. Can you connect to the world? Another text? Your own knowledge and experiences?

Task 3: On your own

Reflect on the process of creating a short oral text with the idea of including a stated and implied message within the text.

  • Did having to include these messages change how you created your text?
  • When did you create the two messages – before or after you created your text? Why did you plan in this way?

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel...

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.