Reading: Critical Reading & Analysis
B2 Lesson 1: Fact vs. Opinion
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary
Understanding these concepts is essential for critical reading.
Defining Fact vs. Opinion
A critical reader's first job is to separate what can be proven from what is a personal belief.
A statement that can be proven true or false with evidence.
Example: Kampot is a province in southern Cambodia.
Clues: Numbers, dates, verifiable information.
A statement of belief, feeling, or judgment that cannot be proven.
Example: Kampot is the most beautiful province in Cambodia.
Clues: Judgment words (best, worst, beautiful), or belief words (should, think, believe).
Analyzing an Argument
Let's analyze this opinion piece. Pay attention to the facts and opinions.
Why Night Buses Are a Poor Choice for Cambodian Travel
While many tourists and locals use night buses for long-distance travel in Cambodia, I believe they are a surprisingly poor choice for several reasons. Firstly, the safety record is a major concern. Official government statistics show a higher rate of accidents involving overnight buses compared to daytime services. Secondly, passengers often arrive at their destination at 5:00 or 6:00 AM. This is an inconvenient time, as most guesthouses will not allow you to check in for several hours. Finally, while you might save money on one night's accommodation, the experience itself is simply terrible. You arrive feeling exhausted and unable to enjoy your first day. Therefore, choosing a daytime bus is a much better and more sensible option.
Argument Analysis
- Main Argument: The author's main point is an opinion: that night buses are a poor choice.
- Supporting Evidence 1: They use a verifiable fact about higher accident rates.
- Supporting Evidence 2: They state that arriving early is "inconvenient," which is an opinion.
- Supporting Evidence 3: They claim the experience is "terrible," which is a strong opinion.
Practice Your Analysis Skills 🎯
Quiz: Fact or Opinion?
Read the short text below, then answer the questions.
"The new Kep Crab Market, which opened in 2023, is a major improvement for the city. It is a two-story concrete building located directly on the waterfront. In my opinion, it is the best place in Cambodia to eat fresh seafood, offering a much cleaner and more comfortable experience than the old market."
1. Which part of the text is a verifiable FACT?
- A. It is a major improvement for the city.
- B. It is the best place in Cambodia to eat fresh seafood.
- C. It is a two-story concrete building.
→ Answer: C. You can objectively verify the building's height and material. A and B are the author's opinions.
2. The phrase "a much cleaner and more comfortable experience" is an example of what?
- A. An Opinion
- B. A Fact
- C. A Statistic
→ Answer: A. An Opinion. "Cleaner" and "more comfortable" are subjective judgments.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- Critical Reading Analyzing and evaluating a text, not just accepting its information as true.
- Fact A statement that can be proven to be true or false with objective evidence.
- Opinion A personal belief or judgment that cannot be proven right or wrong.
- Supporting Evidence The facts, examples, or reasons used to support a claim or argument.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Be a Fact-Checker!
Find an online review in English for a movie, a restaurant, or a hotel.
- Copy one paragraph from the review into your notebook.
- Read it carefully. Underline any statements that are Facts (e.g., "The movie is three hours long").
- Circle any statements that are Opinions (e.g., "The movie was boring").
Be ready to explain why you categorized each statement as a fact or an opinion.