Comprehension Strategies

Inference, fact vs opinion, bias

Advanced Comprehension Strategies

Grade 8 comprehension tests higher-order thinking. You must distinguish between fact and opinion, identify bias, make inferences, and evaluate the writer's purpose and effectiveness. Texts include fiction, non-fiction, opinion pieces, and advertisements.

Example

Fact vs. Opinion

Fact: 'South Africa has 11 official languages.' — This can be proven. Opinion: 'Zulu is the most beautiful language in South Africa.' — This is a personal view. To identify bias, ask: Does the writer present only one side? Are emotional words used to influence the reader? Is important information left out?

Note

Answering Higher-Order Questions

For inference questions: Look for clues in the text and use your own knowledge. For evaluation questions: Give your opinion and support it with evidence from the text. For vocabulary in context: Read the sentence around the word to work out its meaning. Always answer in full sentences and check the mark allocation.

Key Vocabulary

FactA statement that can be proven to be true

OpinionA personal belief or view that cannot be proven

BiasFavouring one side unfairly, not presenting a balanced view

InferenceA conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning

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