Opinion vs Fact, Author Tone & Purpose | Verbal Reasoning for UCAT PDF Download
| Table of contents |
|
| Overview |
|
| Key Skills and How to Develop Them |
|
| UCAT-Specific Strategies |
|
| Practice Questions |
|
| Conclusion |
|
Opinion vs. Fact, Author Tone, and Purpose questions in the UCAT Verbal Reasoning subtest evaluate your ability to differentiate between objective facts and subjective opinions, identify the author’s attitude (tone), and determine the passage’s intent (purpose). These questions require nuanced understanding of the text, as they go beyond extracting details to analyzing the author’s perspective. With 44 questions in 21 minutes (~28 seconds per question), precision and efficiency are critical. This document explains how to approach these questions, covering key skills, strategies, and ample examples.
Overview
Opinion vs. Fact, Author Tone, and Purpose questions typically involve a short passage (200–400 words) followed by questions that ask you to classify statements as fact or opinion, describe the author’s tone (e.g., optimistic, skeptical), or identify the passage’s purpose (e.g., to inform, argue, critique). Passages often cover medical, scientific, or societal topics, testing your ability to analyze the author’s intent and perspective under time pressure.
Key Skills and How to Develop Them
The following skills are essential for Opinion vs. Fact, Author Tone, and Purpose questions. Each skill is explained with strategies and examples to illustrate how to apply it in the UCAT.
1. Distinguishing Opinion vs. Fact
What It Involves: Identifying whether a statement in the passage or question is a verifiable fact (objective, provable) or an opinion (subjective, based on belief or judgment).
How to Approach:
- Look for Verifiability: Facts can be proven with evidence (e.g., numbers, dates), while opinions involve personal views or interpretations (e.g., "best," "should").
- Check for Qualifiers: Words like "believe," "likely," or "excellent" often indicate opinions, while "reported," "measured," or "occurred" suggest facts.
- Contextualize: Determine if the statement is presented as the author’s view or a reported finding.
Example Passage:
A 2024 study found that 80% of patients using a new migraine drug reported reduced symptoms. The drug is a significant advancement in migraine treatment.
Question: Which statement is an opinion?
Options:
A. 80% of patients reported reduced symptoms.
B. The drug is a significant advancement.
Solution:
Step 1: Analyze Option A – "80% of patients reported reduced symptoms" is a verifiable result from the study (fact).
Step 2: Analyze Option B – "significant advancement" is a subjective judgment (opinion).
Answer: B
UCAT Tip: Look for subjective adjectives (e.g., "significant") to identify opinions.
Example Passage:
In 2023, a hospital reduced surgical wait times by 30%. This makes it the most efficient hospital in the region.
Question: Which statement is a fact?
Options:
A. The hospital is the most efficient in the region.
B. Surgical wait times were reduced by 30%.
Solution:
Step 1: Analyze Option A – "most efficient" is a subjective claim (opinion).
Step 2: Analyze Option B – "reduced by 30%" is a measurable outcome (fact).
Answer: B
UCAT Tip: Facts often involve specific, quantifiable data like percentages or timelines.
2. Identifying Author Tone
What It Involves: Determining the author’s attitude or emotional stance toward the subject, such as positive, negative, neutral, critical, or optimistic.
How to Approach:
- Analyze Word Choice: Look for emotionally charged words (e.g., "remarkable" for positive, "concerning" for negative).
- Consider Context: Assess whether the author is presenting facts objectively or advocating a viewpoint.
- Check for Bias: Strong opinions or selective emphasis may indicate a non-neutral tone.
Example Passage:
The introduction of telemedicine in 2024 has revolutionized healthcare delivery, providing unparalleled access to specialists for rural patients.
Question: What is the author’s tone?
Options:
A. Critical
B. Neutral
C. Positive
Solution:
Step 1: Analyze word choice – "revolutionized" and "unparalleled" are strongly positive terms.
Step 2: Assess context – The author emphasizes benefits without criticism.
Answer: C. Positive
UCAT Tip: Positive tones often use words like "innovative" or "beneficial," while critical tones use "problematic" or "limited."
Example Passage:
A 2024 report highlighted a 20% increase in hospital readmissions, raising concerns about the quality of post-discharge care.
Question: What is the author’s tone?
Options:
A. Optimistic
B. Concerned
C. Neutral
Solution:
Step 1: Analyze word choice – "raising concerns" indicates worry.
Step 2: Assess context – The focus on a negative outcome suggests a critical stance.
Answer: B. Concerned
UCAT Tip: Words like "concerns" or "issues" often signal a negative or concerned tone.
3. Determining Author Purpose
What It Involves: Identifying why the author wrote the passage, such as to inform, persuade, critique, or describe.
How to Approach:
- Assess the Main Idea: Determine the passage’s primary focus (e.g., presenting data, arguing a point).
- Look for Intent: Check if the author is advocating, explaining, or evaluating something.
- Evaluate Structure: Persuasive passages often include opinions or calls to action, while informative ones focus on facts.
Example Passage:
A 2024 study showed that wearable fitness trackers increased daily step counts by 25%. These devices are essential for promoting physical activity and should be subsidized by healthcare systems.
Question: What is the author’s purpose?
Options:
A. To inform
B. To persuade
C. To critique
Solution:
Step 1: Identify the main idea – The passage presents a study but also advocates for subsidies.
Step 2: Analyze intent – "should be subsidized" suggests a call to action.
Answer: B. To persuade
UCAT Tip: Look for prescriptive language (e.g., "should") to identify persuasive purposes.
Example Passage:
In 2023, a new vaccine reduced influenza cases by 90% in clinical trials. The vaccine was administered in two doses over four weeks.
Question: What is the author’s purpose?
Options:
A. To persuade
B. To inform
C. To entertain
Solution:
Step 1: Identify the main idea – The passage presents factual data about a vaccine.
Step 2: Analyze intent – No opinions or calls to action are included, only facts.
Answer: B. To inform
UCAT Tip: Informative purposes are common in passages with objective data and neutral language.
4. Analyzing Contextual Clues
What It Involves: Using the passage’s context to understand the author’s perspective, including the source (e.g., scientific journal, opinion piece) and audience.
How to Approach:
- Identify the Source: Scientific reports are often factual, while editorials may be opinionated.
- Consider the Audience: Passages aimed at professionals may be technical, while those for the public may be persuasive.
- Look for Emphasis: Repeated themes or strong language can reveal the author’s focus.
Example Passage:
The rise in antibiotic resistance is alarming and demands urgent action from policymakers to regulate antibiotic use.
Question: What is the author’s tone and purpose?
Solution:
Step 1: Analyze tone – "alarming" and "urgent" indicate a concerned and pressing tone.
Step 2: Analyze purpose – "demands urgent action" suggests advocacy for change.
Answer: Tone: Concerned; Purpose: To persuade
UCAT Tip: Contextual clues like "demands" reveal both tone and persuasive intent.
Example Passage:
A 2024 journal article detailed a new cancer screening method that detected tumors in 95% of cases.
Question: What is the likely source of the passage?
Solution:
Step 1: Analyze content – The passage presents objective data (95% detection rate).
Step 2: Consider the source – "journal article" and technical focus suggest a scientific publication.
Answer: Scientific journal
UCAT Tip: Technical, fact-based passages are often from scientific sources.
UCAT-Specific Strategies
General Strategies
- Time Management: Allocate ~28 seconds per question. Spend 10–15 seconds skimming the passage and 5–10 seconds answering each question.
- Skim for Tone and Purpose: Read the first and last sentences to gauge the author’s intent and attitude.
- Focus on Key Words: Look for emotionally charged or prescriptive words (e.g., "should," "concerning") to identify tone and purpose.
- Practice Differentiation: Train to quickly distinguish facts (data-driven) from opinions (judgment-based).
- Flag and Move On: If a question about tone or purpose is unclear, flag it and return if time allows.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Misidentifying Opinions: Don’t mistake strong facts (e.g., "90% reduction") for opinions unless subjective language is used.
- Overcomplicating Tone: Choose the most obvious tone (e.g., "revolutionary" is positive, not neutral).
- Confusing Purpose: Distinguish between informing (presenting facts) and persuading (advocating action).
- Using External Knowledge: Base answers only on the passage, even if you have prior knowledge of the topic.
Practice Questions
Below are practice questions with passages to reinforce the skills.
Practice Passage 1:
A 2024 report revealed that 70% of patients preferred telehealth over in-person visits due to convenience. Telehealth is the future of healthcare delivery and must be expanded.
Question 1: Which statement is an opinion?
A. 70% of patients preferred telehealth.
B. Telehealth is the future of healthcare delivery.
Question 2: What is the author’s tone?
A. Neutral
B. Positive
C. Critical
Question 3: What is the author’s purpose?
A. To inform
B. To persuade
C. To describe
Solutions:
Question 1: B – "Telehealth is the future" is a subjective claim (opinion).
Question 2: B. Positive – "preferred" and "must be expanded" suggest enthusiasm.
Question 3: B. To persuade – "must be expanded" indicates advocacy.
Practice Passage 2:
A 2023 study found that a new diabetes drug reduced blood sugar levels by 35% in 6 months. However, the high cost of the drug limits its accessibility, posing a significant barrier to treatment.
Question 1: Which statement is a fact?
A. The drug limits accessibility.
B. The drug reduced blood sugar levels by 35%.
Question 2: What is the author’s tone?
A. Optimistic
B. Concerned
C. Neutral
Question 3: What is the author’s purpose?
A. To inform
B. To critique
C. To persuade
Solutions:
Question 1: B – "reduced by 35%" is a measurable result (fact).
Question 2: B. Concerned – "limits" and "significant barrier" indicate worry.
Question 3: B. To critique – Highlighting the drug’s cost as a barrier suggests criticism.
Conclusion
Mastering Opinion vs. Fact, Author Tone, and Purpose questions requires practice in distinguishing objective from subjective statements, analyzing word choice for tone, and identifying the author’s intent. By developing these skills and applying the strategies outlined, you can improve your accuracy and speed in the UCAT Verbal Reasoning subtest. Practice with diverse passages and time yourself to simulate exam conditions.
|
7 videos|15 docs|30 tests
|
FAQs on Opinion vs Fact, Author Tone & Purpose - Verbal Reasoning for UCAT
| 1. What is the UCAT and why is it important for medical school applicants? |  |
| 2. How can I effectively prepare for the UCAT? | |
| 3. What are some key skills assessed in the UCAT? | |
| 4. Are there specific strategies for each section of the UCAT? | |
| 5. How can I find practice questions for the UCAT? | |
Author Tone & Purpose | Verbal Reasoning for UCAT
,past year papers
,Author Tone & Purpose | Verbal Reasoning for UCAT
,video lectures
,Author Tone & Purpose | Verbal Reasoning for UCAT
,practice quizzes
,Free
,Exam
,Extra Questions
,ppt
,study material
,MCQs
,Opinion vs Fact
,Semester Notes
,Viva Questions
,mock tests for examination
,Opinion vs Fact
,Objective type Questions
,Opinion vs Fact
,Previous Year Questions with Solutions
,Sample Paper
,Important questions
,shortcuts and tricks
,Summary
;
Opinion vs Fact, Author Tone & Purpose Free PDF Download
Importance of Opinion vs Fact, Author Tone & Purpose
Opinion vs Fact, Author Tone & Purpose Notes
Opinion vs Fact, Author Tone & Purpose UCAT Questions
Study Opinion vs Fact, Author Tone & Purpose on the App
|
© EduRev
|
Education Revolution
|
|
