新视野大学英语词汇讲解

Reading Skills

Text Study

Notes to the Text Words and Expressions Idea Sharing

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Distinguishing Between Facts and Opinions

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Reading Skills

As we learned in Unit 2, Book 1 and Unit 8, Book2, it is very important to tell facts from the writer s opinions during the course of reading. Then what are facts? And opinions?

facts — what really happened; objective (客观的)

opinions — ideas, feelings, judgements or belief that you get from facts; subjective (主观的)

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Reading Skills

Example 1

Her study of 62 formerly inactive women who began exercising three times a week for six months was published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Fact or Opinion? Of course it is a fact! The word “published” in the sentence shows what really happened.

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Reading Skills

Example 2

If iron levels are low, talk with a physician to see if the deficiency should be corrected by modifying your diet or by taking supplements. Fact or Opinion?

It s an opinion! Why? Because it is expressed in an imperative sentence, which indicates an opinion from the writer.

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Reading Skills

The biggest difficulty in distinguishing facts from opinions When you agree with the writer s opinions, you may take those subjective things for granted, that is, you may mistake opinions for facts!

e.g. He s so good looking, smart and funny. Fact or Opinion?

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Reading Skills

It s an opinion! Why? Maybe you also think the same as the writer that he is good looking, but it doesn t mean other people will accept this idea. Good looking , smart and funny are just the judgements of the writer and not necessarily the truth!

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Reading Skills

Can you distinguish between facts and opinions ?

Fact?

Opinion?

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Reading Skills

A. Just as exercise strengthens the heart and lungs, bones and muscles, it may also power up the brain. Opinion! B. Human studies have focused primarily on older adults and suggest that regular exercise can improve the speed with which the brain processes information. Fact!

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Reading Skills

C. This boost in reaction time after exercise training may occur because declines associated with getting old could actually stem from declines in physical condition. Opinion! D. Consequently, the brains of people who exercise may be better equipped to tackle mental challenges. Opinion!

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Active Expressions

Focus Study

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Notes to the Text—Active Expressions

I. Active Expressions

Find out the active expressions:

1. Learning a new dance step may boost the brain in the same way that learning a language can… (L20) 2. …that an effect found in rats may also apply to humans. (L26) 3. … be a penalty of neglecting to stay physically active,… (L39) 4. …the academic…was thought to come from… (L47)

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Notes to the Text—Active Expressions

the way apply to

the manner; the means; the methods make practical use of sth.

stay + adj.

remain