An argument contains a claim supported by reasons or evidence.
Identify what the writer wants the reader to accept, then trace how each paragraph contributes.
An example illustrates a point but may not prove that it is true in every case.
See it. Say it. Understand it.
Easy / Start here
An argument's claim and evidence are different parts of its reasoning.
Moderate / Add a little
A proposal can be reasonable even before its predicted outcome has been established.
More detail for teachers and confident learners
An argument contains a claim supported by reasons or evidence. Identify what the writer wants the reader to accept, then trace how each paragraph contributes. An example illustrates a point but may not prove that it is true in every case. A concession recognises a competing concern, while a rebuttal explains why the main argument still holds. Connectors and repeated key terms reveal the argument's structure.
Evaluate the relevance and strength of the evidence rather than reacting only to the conclusion. A persuasive tone can conceal a gap between a reason and a claim. Ask whether an alternative explanation is possible and whether the evidence covers the group being discussed. In a response, distinguish a fair summary of the writer's view from your own evaluation. Support disagreement with reasons, not a dismissal of the writer.
Use this General English lesson to make communication more independent and precise. Compare alternative ways of expressing a point and select the one which preserves its meaning. In source-based work, keep a claim separate from the evidence or qualification supporting it.
වැඩි විස්තර අවශ්ය විට පමණක් මෙම කොටස කියවන්න.
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A factual claim can in principle be checked against evidence, while an opinion expresses a judgement or preference.
A sentence containing a number is not automatically accurate, and an opinion can be supported with strong reasons.
Look for the writer's purpose, source of information and choice of language.
See it. Say it. Understand it.
Easy / Start here
'The room has forty seats' is a checkable claim; 'it is the finest room' expresses a judgement.
Moderate / Add a little
A confident claim needs evidence just as much as a cautious one.
More detail for teachers and confident learners
A factual claim can in principle be checked against evidence, while an opinion expresses a judgement or preference. A sentence containing a number is not automatically accurate, and an opinion can be supported with strong reasons. Look for the writer's purpose, source of information and choice of language. Words such as always, everyone and unquestionably can signal a broad claim that needs careful checking.
Separate the writer's viewpoint from your own reaction. Identify what evidence is supplied and what is missing, including a date, comparison group or original source. In a balanced response, describe the claim fairly before evaluating it. Avoid rejecting a source merely because its conclusion differs from your preference. Reliable reading involves checking how a conclusion was reached, not simply whether it sounds confident or agrees with what you already believe.
Use this General English lesson to make communication more independent and precise. Compare alternative ways of expressing a point and select the one which preserves its meaning. In source-based work, keep a claim separate from the evidence or qualification supporting it.
වැඩි විස්තර අවශ්ය විට පමණක් මෙම කොටස කියවන්න.
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Practise the whole unit and receive a separate answer or model guide.
Synthesis brings related information from two or more sources into a new organised account.
Start with the question you need to answer, then note where sources agree, differ or provide complementary details.
Group ideas by theme rather than summarising one source and then repeating the other.
See it. Say it. Understand it.
Easy / Start here
Combine sources by shared themes while retaining differences in scope and date.
Moderate / Add a little
Do not convert a prediction in one source into a verified finding.
More detail for teachers and confident learners
Synthesis brings related information from two or more sources into a new organised account. Start with the question you need to answer, then note where sources agree, differ or provide complementary details. Group ideas by theme rather than summarising one source and then repeating the other. Preserve any important difference in dates, populations or definitions, because apparently conflicting figures may measure different things.
Credit a source when required and distinguish reported information from your own inference. Do not force agreement by removing a qualification or treating an opinion as an established fact. A useful synthesis helps the reader see the relationship between sources. Keep concise notes on each claim and its origin so that you can check accuracy later. Original organisation does not permit invented facts; every included point must remain faithful to its source.
Use this General English lesson to make communication more independent and precise. Compare alternative ways of expressing a point and select the one which preserves its meaning. In source-based work, keep a claim separate from the evidence or qualification supporting it.
වැඩි විස්තර අවශ්ය විට පමණක් මෙම කොටස කියවන්න.
Optional extra unit worksheet
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