Chapter Outline

Analysis

Analysis: the ability to break information down into its basic parts, or elements, to better understand how it works

Distinguishing Facts from Opinions and Hypotheses

• Facts are statements that can be proved to be true.
• Opinions state the writer’s feelings or ideas about a topic and are influenced heavily by background, values, and outlook on life. Opinions cannot be proved or disproved.
• Hypotheses are conjectures that are made for the purpose of explaining an event. Hypotheses may be tested and proved or disproved with the passage of time or the acquisition of more information.

Distinguishing Conclusions from Supporting Statements

• A conclusion is a statement that, while not directly stated, can be supported by facts given in a passage or illustration.
• Supporting statements are provable facts that support a conclusion.

Recognizing Information that Is Designed to Persuade an Audience

Written materials and graphics are often designed to focus on the information that will most likely influence you.

• Facts, images, and phrases carry an emotional impact, either positive for the writer’s point of view or negative against an opposing point of view.

Recognizing Unstated Assumptions

An unstated assumption is a fact, opinion, or idea that is taken for granted and not explicitly stated or proved.

• By recognizing unstated assumptions, you can make better-informed judgments and decisions.

Identifying Cause-and-Effect Relationships

An effect such as an important event, is connected to the cause, or the conditions, which made it happen.

• Distinguishing between causes and effects is important.
• Not all events are connected in cause-and-effect relationships.

Recognizing the Point of View of a Writer in a Historical Account

All writers have a point of view, or perspective.

• When attempting to identify a writer’s point of view, consider both when and why the writer is writing.
• Look for clues in writings and illustrations.

Recognizing the Historical Context of a Text

Historical context is the conditions of the time when historical materials were written.

• Evaluate historical writing in its context.
• Look for clues in a passage that indicate context, such as time period and conditions that are different or similar to those of the present.

Identifying Comparisons and Contrasts

• When you compare two things, you look for ways in which they are similar.
• When you contrast two things, you look for ways in which they are different.

Determining the Implications, Effects, and Value of Presenting Visual Data in Different Ways

• minimizing a large issue
• sensationalizing a minor issue
• trying to present information as clearly and fairly as possible