Types of questions Flashcards
what is implied by…?
If a writer is suggesting something without explicitly stating it - they are implying. This will have been a conscious decision by the writer. This question aims to assess if you understand what the writer is trying to get across through the use of particular words.
What can be inferred from…?
An inference is something the reader picks up from the passage. This means that an inference is what you have concluded about the topic at hand from the information available. Hence this question deals with what valid interpretations you can apply to the passage that is not necessarily explicit.
What conclusion is reached by the writer…?
Purpose - Assessing understanding of argument and overall point
Approaching method - Follow line of argument and decide what conclusion it draws upon us - particular attention to tone and what aspects the writer gives weight to.
What (unstated) assumption is being made…?
Purpose - Logical reasoning
Approaching method - think of the effect each choice/assumption (or the opposite assumption) would have and see if this undermines argument
Which of the following is merely an assertion?
Definition - Assertion = view put forward without sufficient evidence to ensure it`s validity.
Purpose - Ability to distinguish between fact and assertion.
Approaching method - look for evidence in the text (and only in the text) supporting a statement
what point is made by…?
Purpose - Testing understanding of analogy or example in the text.
Method - How has the point been introduced? What possible meanings could the point have? Which of these ideas or arguments put forward most closely relate to that meaning?
Which of the following is an argument in favour of…?
Purpose - Testing ability to understand how an argument is constructed.
Method - Two aspects to consider:
- First, how is the factor or idea being used - does it precede (come before) a certain conclusion?
- Secondly, what does the factor or idea mean in isolation. What would follow from it.
- Focus on the text in front of you most of all
what is meant by… ?
Purpose - Seeking an explanation of a word, phrase or idea - not looking for external knowledge necessarily Method - expecting you to figure it out from context so look at surrounding text to figure out.
What is the main idea in the passage?
Background - Common questions, can be tricky due to degree of subjectivity in the question.
Method - Eliminate unsubstantiated choices where explicit.
-Judge them according to intro and conclusion of a text, number of references to the argument, use of particular evidence and implications contained in the text.
