Reading: Critical Reading & Analysis
B2 Lesson 1: Distinguishing Fact from Opinion
Listen to the concepts and reading passage.
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
These words are essential for critical reading.
Part 1: Fact vs. Opinion
A fact is objective. An opinion is subjective. Good readers must be able to tell them apart, even when an author mixes them.
✅ FACT (Can be proven)
"The report states that sales increased by 15% last quarter."
❌ OPINION (A belief)
"That company's sales performance was clearly the best in the industry."
Look for Signal Words
Authors use specific language to signal whether they are stating a fact or an opinion.
These words introduce objective information.
- According to the study...
- The data shows...
- For example...
These words introduce a personal belief or judgment.
- I believe... / In my opinion...
- The best / The worst...
- Obviously... / Clearly...
Part 2: Identifying Supporting Evidence
An opinion is just a claim. A strong argument uses evidence (which is always factual) to support that opinion.
Opinion (The Claim): "Our city needs to invest in a new metro system."
Supporting Evidence (The Proof): "According to a 2024 traffic report, average commute times have increased by 40% in the last five years."
Reading Passage: The "Work From Home" Debate
Read the following text. Pay attention to which sentences are facts and which are opinions. Click 🔊 to hear the text.
(1) The rise of "work from home" (WFH) has become the most significant workplace topic in the last few years. (2) Companies are now deciding whether to call employees back to the office or allow remote work permanently.
(3) In my opinion, allowing employees to work from home is the best policy for a modern company. (4) The primary benefit is employee well-being. A 2024 study by Global Workplace Analytics found that 82% of remote workers reported lower stress levels. (5) Furthermore, our own company saved over $2 million last year in office rental costs.
(6) However, others argue that teamwork suffers. (7) It's obvious that creativity dies when people are not in the same room. (8) For instance, our 'Project Phoenix' was delayed by two months, and I believe this was due to poor remote communication. (9) Clearly, the only logical solution is a hybrid model.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Fact, Opinion, or Evidence?
Read the sentences taken from the text and identify their function. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. "...our own company saved over $2 million last year in office rental costs." (Sentence 5)
2. "It's obvious that creativity dies when people are not in the same room." (Sentence 7)
3. "A 2024 study by Global Workplace Analytics found that 82% of remote workers reported lower stress levels." (Sentence 4)
Analysis: What is the Author's Main Opinion?
Based on the reading, what is the author's final conclusion or main opinion about "Work From Home"? Think about it, then check your answer below.
Show Author's Opinion
The author's final opinion is stated in the last sentence: "Clearly, the only logical solution is a hybrid model."
This is an opinion because of the bias words ("Clearly," "only logical") and because it is presented as the *best* solution, which is a judgment, not a provable fact.
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
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Fact
A statement that can be proven true or false with objective evidence.
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Opinion
A belief, judgment, or feeling. It cannot be proven true or false.
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Evidence
Facts, statistics, or quotes used to support a claim or opinion.
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Bias
A strong, one-sided preference for or against something.
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Objective
Based on facts, not personal feelings.
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Subjective
Based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Become a Critical Reader
- Find one English news article or opinion piece (e.g., from *The Phnom Penh Post* English edition, *BBC*, or *VOA*).
- Read it and find:
- One statement you are sure is a Fact.
- One statement that is clearly the author's Opinion (look for bias words!).
- One piece of Supporting Evidence (like a number, date, or quote).
- Write them down in your notebook. Why are you sure about each one?