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English Language · Reading: summary and selecting information. The idea in plain words, the rules to remember, the mistake to avoid and a worked example, written and checked by Mega Lecture.

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The idea

Some questions ask what an idea or remark suggests. Do not repeat the words. Give the point behind them: what the writer or speaker wants you to understand.

Other questions ask you to separate fact from opinion. A fact can be checked. An opinion is a judgement, and people may disagree with it. Writers mix the two in one paragraph, and sometimes in one sentence.

You may also be asked to evaluate an argument. Look at what supports each claim. Figures and many cases are strong support. One person’s story, or no support at all, is weak.

Rules to remember

Fact: can be checked and proved true or false (a price, a date, a number, a result).
Opinion: a judgement or feeling (‘best’, ‘beautiful’, ‘boring’, ‘should’, ‘too expensive’).
A sentence with a number can still be an opinion: ‘100 rupees is far too much for a ticket.’
A reported result is a fact: ‘Most pupils voted for a longer break’ can be checked against the vote.
Strong support: figures, surveys, many cases. Weak support: one example or none.
Generalisation: judging a whole group from one case. It is a common weakness in an argument.
‘Suggests’ questions: give the meaning behind the words, not the words again.

Common mistake

Calling a statement a fact because you agree with it or because it sounds confident. Ask only one thing: could someone check this and prove it true or false?

Worked example

‘The new railway line opened in 2019 and carries about 4,000 passengers a day. The journey takes two hours. It is the most comfortable way to travel between the two cities.’ Which statement is an opinion?

The opening year and the number of passengers can be checked in records, so they are facts.
The journey time can be measured, so it is a fact.
‘Most comfortable’ is a judgement. Comfort differs from person to person and cannot be proved.

Answer: The opinion is that it is the most comfortable way to travel between the two cities.

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