Lab Activity 43: Reading Critically in Context

Chapter 9: Fact and Opinion
Lab Activity 43: Reading Critically in Context

Objective
To identify an author's use of facts and opinions in reading passages.

Step 2: Read the following paragraph, and then answer the questions that follow.

In many animal species the female gives off a scent that draws males, often from far distances, and thus ensures the continuation of the species. Humans, too, emit sexual attractants called sex pheromones, body secretions that arouse sexual desire. Humans, of course, supplement that with perfumes, colognes, after-shave lotions, powders, and the like to further enhance attractiveness and sexuality. Not surprisingly, biotechnology companies are busily at work with the aim of bottling human sex pheromones. Women, recent research finds, prefer the scent of men who bear a close genetic similarity to themselves, a finding that may account, in part, for our attraction to people much like ourselves.

—DeVito, The Interpersonal Communication Book, 10th ed., p. 205

Decide whether each statement that follows expresses facts (F), opinions (O), or a combination of the two (F/O).

5. Humans, too, emit sexual attractants, called sex pheromones, body secretions that arouse sexual desire.

The above statement expresses ___.

F

O

F/O

6. Not surprisingly, biotechnology companies are busily at work with the aim of bottling human sex pheromones.

The above statement expresses ___.

F

O

F/O

7. Read the following letter to the editor, and then answer the questions that follow.

Greek, Not Latin, Is Key to English

     As a dilettante classicist and linguist, I am delighted to note the recent article regarding the teaching of Latin. I am further enthused that at least one other reader was moved to suggest that Latin is not the foundation of our language that it is popularly thought to be.
     Indeed, much of our language derives from Latin roots, but I dare say by way of French, which in turn of course is based on Latin. English is one of the Germanic languages and most of our monosyllabic words spring from German. Those that derive from Latin, albeit through the French, are indeed legion, but it is not especially necessary to understand these roots, as they are relatively common.
     The rich English language incorporates both the German and Latin/French. However, it also incorporates, far more importantly, Greek. It is knowing the Greek root that is essential to any who aspire to truly understand English. For example, where the German hand directly translates to English, the French main becomes manual. But it is the Greek chiro that denotes one who manipulates with his hands: a chiropractor. And while the German haus is understood by all, the French maison is a somewhat fancier edifice, a mansion. But the Greek word for house, ecos, lets us understand that economyare the laws of the house, and ecology its study.
     German fuss (foot) and French pied (pedestrian) need no erudite study. It is the Greek podi that alerts us to see a podiatrist for foot problems, not a pediatrician, as that would be an iatro (doctor) who cares for your pedi (child).
     Let us finally hear no more of the value of Latin. All who would understand our opulent English language, as did all lexicographers, must know Greek. It is now being taught in the high school curricula of several states. It was once a required study in Virginia. It should be offered again to those exceptional students who wish to excel as scholars.

—George X. Tsirimokos, Daily Press, January 22, 2004

Identify the sentence that states the central idea of this selection.

a. As a dilettante classicist and linguist, I am delighted to note the recent article regarding the teaching of Latin.

b. Indeed, much of our language derives from Latin roots, but I dare say by way of French, which in turn of course is based on Latin.

c. English is one of the Germanic languages and most of our monosyllabic words spring from German.

d. It is knowing the Greek root that is essential to any who aspire to truly understand English.

8. As a dilettante classicist and linguist, I am delighted to note the recent article regarding the teaching of Latin.

This sentence indicates the author of this letter to the editor is

a. an expert expressing his opinion.

b. an amateur expressing his opinion

c. someone who makes his living studying words.

d. an immigrant from France.

9. The author supports his central idea with

a. opinions about France.

b. opinions about Germany.

c. facts about words derived only from German.

d. facts about words derived from French, Latin, German, and Greek.

10. It should be offered again to those exceptional students who wish to excel as scholars.

The words should and exceptional indicate this sentence is

a. a fact.

b. an opinion.

c. a combination of fact and opinion.