Stated vs Implied – LNAT Question Types Explained

What is the difference between ‘Stated’ and ‘Implied’?

Statements

‘Stated’ refers to information that is clearly and explicitly expressed in the passage. Statements require no further interpretation.

Examples of Statements

• A fact presented in an article or essay
• A character’s emotions described explicitly by the author
• A direct quote from a person
• A specific date or time mentioned in the text
• An author’s explicitly stated opinion or argument

Implications

‘Implied’ refers to information that is suggested or hinted at but not directly stated in the text. Implications require the reader to make inferences based on the context and details provided.

Examples of Implications

• Reading between the lines in a character’s dialogue to determine their emotions
• Inferring that someone is unhappy based on their actions, even if they don’t explicitly say it
• Understanding a political stance through an author’s choice of words and tone
• Inferring that a person is wealthy due to their expensive possessions
• Determining a time period based on contextual clues in the text

How to answer Stated and Implied questions in the LNAT?

To differentiate between an ‘implication’ and a ‘statement,’ focus on
– whether the information is directly expressed (statement)
– or if it requires interpretation or inference from the reader (implication).

• Read the passage carefully and thoroughly before attempting questions.
• Identify keywords in the question and search for them in the passage.
• For implied questions, consider context, tone, and details that may lead to inferences.
• For stated questions, focus on direct information and facts provided in the text.
• Be aware of distractors: options that seem plausible but are not supported by the text.
• Read the previous and subsequent paragraphs to ensure there are no contradictions or additional information.
• Re-read relevant sections of the passage if you’re unsure about an answer.

Remember ! Questions in the LNAT may not always have the keywords ‘Stated’ or ‘Implied’. Read the question carefully to understand the intention – what does the question want you to do?

Examples of ‘Stated’ questions that may appear in LNAT.

• According to the passage, what is the main cause of the issue discussed?
• What is the author’s primary argument in the given text?
• Which of the following facts is directly stated in the passage?
• How does the author support their argument in the text?
• What is the explicit purpose of the passage?

Some keywords that will help in identifying ‘stated’ related questions.

• Quoted
• Mentioned
• Stated
• Asserted
• Declared
• Proclaimed
• Announced
• Expressed
• Articulated
• Formulated
• Posited
• Conveyed
• Concluded
• Affirmed
• Presented
• Described
• Defined

Examples of ‘Implied’ questions that may appear in LNAT.

• What can be inferred about the author’s stance on the issue from the given passage?
• Based on the information provided, what is most likely the reason for the character’s actions?
• Which of the following can be inferred about the historical context of the passage?
• Given the author’s tone, what is their implied opinion on the subject matter?
• What underlying assumption does the author make in their argument?

Some keywords that will help in identifying ‘implied’ related questions.

• Inferred
• Suggested
• Hinted
• Implied
• Implicit
• Assumed
• Concluded
• Deduced
• Subtext
• Underlying
• Indirect
• Veiled
• Tacit
• Unspoken
• Unstated