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KS3 English · Year 7Chapter 5 · Reading non-fiction: fact, opinion, bias and summary
Year 7 · Chapter 5

Reading non-fiction: fact, opinion, bias and summary

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Sort sentences into fact and opinion, and say how a reader can check a fact
  • Name loaded words, and explain the feeling they create in the reader
  • Judge how reliable a text is, using named sources, specific details and balance
  • Summarise paragraphs, then a whole text, keeping the main ideas only
  • Quote and paraphrase accurately, and say which one is which

You should already know

  • Fact and opinion, and retrieving information from a text (Year 6, Chapter 11)
  • Summary of a non-fiction text (Year 6, Chapter 11)

Where this leads

  • Comparing texts (Chapter 6 of this book)
  • Writing to argue, persuade and analyse (Chapter 11 of this book)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 3 English, Year 7. Content: Read and understand non-fiction, such as reports, articles and letters (KS3 reading, R1), Distinguish fact from opinion, and identify bias and loaded language (KS3 reading, R4), Evaluate the reliability of a text, and the effect of a writer's persuasive language (KS3 reading, R4), Summarise the main ideas across several paragraphs, in the reader's own words (KS3 reading, R6), Use evidence and quotation accurately from non-fiction (KS3 reading, R7).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite one word for a sentence that states a feeling or judgement, rather than a fact that can be checked. Write the word only.
2
RWhat is a summary? Write one sentence.
3
FWhich word is a noun in The report describes the hedgehog.? Write one word.
4
FWrite the word for a person who writes a letter to a newspaper or magazine. Write one word.
5
FWhich punctuation mark is used at the end of a sentence that gives a command? Write the name of the mark.
5.1

Fact and opinion

Year 7
Read and understand non-fiction, such as reports, articles and letters (KS3 reading, R1), Distinguish fact from opinion (KS3 reading, R4)
Video lesson: Fact and opinionComing soon
Story. A school newspaper prints three pieces about hedgehogs and phones. Before the editor can choose one, the class must sort the sentences into facts and opinions.

A fact is something that can be checked, such as a date, a number or a description that others can test. An opinion is what someone thinks or feels. It may be reasonable, but it cannot be proved in the same way. Many non-fiction texts mix the two, so a reader must check each sentence.

Text 1: Hedgehogs in towns (original factual report)

1Hedgehogs were once common in British gardens, but numbers have fallen sharply in many areas of the countryside. Many now live in towns, where they find shelter under sheds and in hedges. A hedgehog may travel a long way in a single night while it searches for food. Its diet includes beetles, worms and slugs, and it sometimes eats fallen fruit.

2Hedgehogs hibernate through the winter, usually from November to March. Before this, they need to build up fat in the autumn. Gardeners can help by leaving a gap under fences, so that hedgehogs can pass between gardens. Piles of leaves and log piles also give them safe places to rest.

3Experts recommend that gardeners do not use slug pellets, because these can harm hedgehogs as well as the animals they eat.

Key ideas

  • A fact can be checked against evidence, such as a date or a measurement.
  • An opinion expresses a judgement or a feeling, such as heroes or should.
  • Watch for opinion words: think, believe, should, must, best, heroes.
Worked example 5.1.1
Is Hedgehogs hibernate through the winter, usually from November to March. a fact or an opinion?

Method. Ask whether the sentence can be checked.

  1. Can it be checked? Yes, by looking at records about hibernation.
    records
  2. Does it give a judgement? No, it gives specific months, not a view.
    specific months
  3. Name it. The sentence is a fact.
    fact
  4. Write the answer.
    fact

Check. It gives specific, checkable details. ✓

Worked example 5.1.2
Is The headteachers who ban phones are heroes. a fact or an opinion?

Method. Look for a judgement word.

  1. Find the judgement word. Heroes is a value judgement.
    heroes
  2. Ask whether it can be checked. You cannot test whether someone is a hero.
    cannot be tested
  3. Name it. The sentence is an opinion.
    opinion
  4. Write the answer.
    opinion

Check. The judgement word shows an opinion. ✓

Worked example 5.1.3
Is Its diet includes beetles, worms and slugs. a fact? Explain in one reason.

Method. Look at what the sentence names.

  1. Look at the words. It names three kinds of food.
    three kinds of food
  2. Check the claim. These foods can be checked by observing hedgehogs.
    observing
  3. Judge. So it is a fact, with no judgement.
    a fact
  4. Write the answer.
    yes, because it names foods that can be checked

Check. It names checkable foods. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a sentence can contain a fact and an opinion. Look at each part separately.

Exam tip

Exam tip. When you sort fact and opinion, say which words make it a fact, or which words show a judgement.

Exercise 5A  Practice: fact and opinion

1
FIs this sentence a fact or an opinion? Hedgehogs were once common in British gardens Choose one: fact or opinion.
2
FIs this sentence a fact or an opinion? Its diet includes beetles, worms and slugs Choose one: fact or opinion.
3
FIs this sentence a fact or an opinion? Many now live in towns Choose one: fact or opinion.
4
FIs this sentence a fact or an opinion? The headteachers who ban phones are heroes Choose one: opinion or fact.
5
PSIs this sentence a fact or an opinion? break times are for playing, talking and growing up, not for scrolling Choose one: opinion or fact.
6
PSIs this sentence a fact or an opinion? My son's school has banned phones at break Choose one: fact or opinion.
7
FIs this sentence a fact or an opinion? I think both sides should be heard Choose one: opinion or fact.
8
PSFind one sentence in Text 2 that is an opinion, and quote it exactly.
9
FWhich of these is a fact? Choose one: Parents, you must act now., Hedgehogs hibernate from November to March. or The rest of us should be ashamed..
10
RGive two opinion words from Text 2, and say what they show.
11
PSWhich sentence from Text 1 is a judgement rather than a fact? Choose one: Many now live in towns, Experts recommend that gardeners do not use slug pellets or Hedgehogs were once common in British gardens.
12
PSIs this sentence a fact or an opinion? I have not seen the figures myself Choose one: fact or opinion.
13
RExplain in one sentence why a fact is not the same as a fact that is true. (Think about whether a claim can be checked.)
14
RIs The evidence is clear in Text 2 a fact or an opinion? Explain your answer.
5.2

Bias and loaded language

Year 7
Identify bias and loaded language, and explain their effect on the reader (KS3 reading, R4)
Video lesson: Bias and loaded languageComing soon
Story. The columnist in Text 2 wants readers to agree with her. She uses strong words, so the reader feels angry, guilty or moved.

Bias is a one-sided view that favours one side, without showing the other fairly. Loaded language (emotive language) uses words that carry strong feelings, such as sad, robbed or heroes. A neutral word, such as phones, reports without pushing the reader.

Key ideas

  • Bias favours one side and does not show the other side fairly.
  • Loaded words carry strong feeling; neutral words report without pushing.
  • Name the loaded word, then say what feeling it creates in the reader.
Worked example 5.2.1
What effect does the loaded word sad have in the same sad scene plays out?

Method. Name the word, then the feeling it creates.

  1. Find the word. Sad is an emotive adjective.
    sad
  2. Explain the feeling. It makes the reader feel the scene is unhappy.
    unhappy
  3. Name the effect. The effect is sympathy, and a feeling of gloom.
    sympathy and gloom
  4. Write the answer.
    it creates sympathy and gloom

Check. The word creates a feeling. ✓

Worked example 5.2.2
Is the writer of Text 2 biased? Give one reason.

Method. Look at how the writer treats the two sides.

  1. Look at the praise. She calls headteachers heroes.
    heroes
  2. Look at the other side. She dismisses the safety argument quickly.
    dismisses
  3. Judge. So the writer is biased towards one view.
    biased
  4. Write the answer.
    yes, because she calls headteachers heroes and uses only one side

Check. The writer favours one side. ✓

Worked example 5.2.3
Which word is more neutral for the device children carry? Choose one: phones, addictive machines or screens of doom.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. Phones is a neutral word that names the device without judgement.
    phones fits
  3. Reject the other choices. The other two words carry strong feelings and judgement.
    addictive machines and screens of doom do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    phones

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: do not say a word is loaded just because it is strong. Explain the feeling it creates, and why the writer chooses it.

Exam tip

Exam tip. For bias, quote the loaded word, say what it makes the reader feel, and say which side it favours.

Exercise 5B  Practice: bias and loaded language

1
FName the loaded word in the same sad scene plays out, and say what it suggests.
2
FName the loaded word in robbed of conversation, laughter and friendship, and say what it suggests.
3
PSName the loaded word in machines that were designed to be addictive, and say what it suggests.
4
FWhich word is the most neutral way to describe the device children carry? Choose one: phones, addictive machines or screens of doom.
5
FWhich phrase is an emotive appeal to parents? Choose one: Parents, you must act now., Break times are for playing. or Some will say children need phones..
6
PSCopy the phrase that claims proof without naming any study.
7
RWhy does the writer call the headteachers heroes? Explain the bias in one sentence.
8
PSAnswer both parts about the loaded language in Text 2.
(a)Copy the adjective that describes the scene at lunchtime.
(b)What feeling does the adjective aim to create in the reader? Write one word.
9
RCompare the language of Text 1 with the language of Text 2. Which text is more persuasive, and why?
10
RRewrite Phones must go at lunchtime in a neutral way, and explain what changes.
11
PSWhich sentence from Text 2 is most one-sided? Choose one: Some will say children need phones for safety., The headteachers who ban phones are heroes. or Break times are for playing and talking..
12
RName the loaded phrase in should be ashamed for letting it continue, and say what it suggests.
5.3

Judging reliability

Year 7
Evaluate the reliability of a text, using named sources, specific details and balance (KS3 reading, R4)
Video lesson: Judging reliabilityComing soon
Story. A reader must decide whether to trust a text. Text 1 gives specific details, Text 2 uses strong claims, and Text 3 asks for the figures to be shared.

Reliability means how far a reader can trust a text. A reliable text names its sources, gives checkable details, shows more than one side, and states its purpose. An unreliable text makes unsupported claims, uses vague sources, or hides evidence.

Key ideas

  • A reliable text names sources and gives checkable details.
  • Balance: a reliable text shows more than one side fairly.
  • Purpose: check whether the text is to inform, persuade or entertain.
Worked example 5.3.1
Is Text 2 a reliable source of facts about phones? Give one reason.

Method. Check whether the claim is supported.

  1. Find the claim. The evidence is clear.
    the evidence is clear
  2. Check the support. No study, survey or figure is named.
    no study
  3. Judge. Without support, the claim cannot be fully trusted.
    cannot be fully trusted
  4. Write the answer.
    not fully, because it names no study for its claim

Check. The claim is unsupported. ✓

Worked example 5.3.2
Why is Text 1 more reliable than Text 2? Give one reason.

Method. Look at the details.

  1. Find the detail. It gives specific months.
    November to March
  2. Compare. Text 2 gives a general claim without detail.
    general claim
  3. Judge. Specific details can be checked, so Text 1 is more reliable.
    can be checked
  4. Write the answer.
    it gives specific, checkable details, such as November to March

Check. The detail can be checked. ✓

Worked example 5.3.3
Which feature makes a source more reliable? Choose one: a named study with figures, the writer feeling strongly or a catchy title.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. A named study with figures can be checked by the reader.
    a named study with figures fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Strong feeling and a catchy title do not show evidence.
    the writer feeling strongly and a catchy title do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    a named study with figures

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a strong feeling is not evidence. A text can sound certain and still have no reliable support.

Exam tip

Exam tip. When you judge reliability, give a judgement, then a reason from the text, then say what would make it more reliable.

Exercise 5C  Practice: judging reliability

1
FWhich feature makes a source more reliable? Choose one: a named study with figures, a catchy title or a strong feeling.
2
FDoes Text 3 name a study? Answer yes or no.
3
RWhat does Text 3 do that makes it more balanced than Text 2? Give one reason.
4
RThe letter says bullying reports have fallen by a third. What would make this claim reliable?
5
PSWhich feature suggests Text 1 informs rather than persuades? Choose one: it uses specific details and no direct appeal to the reader, it says you must act now or it calls people heroes.
6
RWhy should a reader check the purpose of a text? Give one reason.
7
FWhich text is a letter to an editor? Write the text number.
8
PSSuggest one question a reader should ask about Text 2 before trusting its claims.
9
FAnswer both parts about the facts in Text 3.
(a)Is My son's school has banned phones at break a fact or an opinion? Write one word.
(b)Is I think both sides should be heard a fact or an opinion? Write one word.
10
RExplain why a reader might trust Text 1 even without knowing who wrote it.
11
RWhy is "Experts recommend" less reliable than naming the experts? Explain in one sentence.
12
REvaluate the reliability of Text 3 using two criteria, such as sources and balance.
5.4

Summarising the main ideas across paragraphs

Year 7
Summarise the main ideas across several paragraphs, in the reader's own words (KS3 reading, R6)
Video lesson: Summarising the main ideas across paragraphsComing soon
Story. A class must write a summary of Text 1 for a parent who has no time to read it. The summary must keep the main ideas, and leave out the detail.

A main idea is the point that a paragraph is about. To summarise, state the main idea of each paragraph, then join the ideas into a shorter whole, in your own words. Do not copy long phrases, and do not add your own opinion.

Key ideas

  • A paragraph has one main idea; find it first.
  • A summary joins the main ideas, in order, in your own words.
  • Leave out examples, repeated detail and your own opinion.
Worked example 5.4.1
Summarise the main idea of paragraph 1 of Text 1.

Method. Find the main idea, not the detail.

  1. Find the decline. Numbers have fallen in the countryside.
    fallen
  2. Find the move. Many now live in towns.
    live in towns
  3. Write the main idea. Hedgehogs are declining, and many now live in towns.
    declining, and many now live in towns
  4. Write the answer.
    Hedgehogs are declining, and many now live in towns

Check. The two main points are kept. ✓

Worked example 5.4.2
Summarise the whole of Text 1 in one sentence.

Method. Combine the main idea of each paragraph.

  1. Paragraph 1. Hedgehogs are declining and live in towns.
    declining
  2. Paragraph 2. Gardeners can help with gaps and leaves.
    help with gaps
  3. Paragraph 3. Experts advise against slug pellets.
    against slug pellets
  4. Join them. The summary keeps the three main ideas.
    three main ideas
  5. Write the answer.
    Hedgehogs are declining, but gardeners can help with gaps, leaves and no slug pellets

Check. All three paragraphs are covered. ✓

Worked example 5.4.3
Which sentence is a detail to leave out of a summary of Text 1? Choose one: Its diet includes beetles, worms and slugs, Hedgehogs are declining in the countryside or Gardeners can help by leaving a gap under fences.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. The diet is a detail; the summary needs the main points about decline and help.
    Its diet includes beetles, worms and slugs fits
  3. Reject the other choices. The decline and the gardeners' help are main ideas.
    Hedgehogs are declining in the countryside and Gardeners can help by leaving a gap under fences do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    Its diet includes beetles, worms and slugs

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a summary keeps the main ideas, not the examples. A detail such as a list of foods is not a main idea.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Write the main idea of each paragraph in a few words, then join them into one shorter summary.

Exercise 5D  Practice: summarising across paragraphs

1
FSummarise paragraph 2 of Text 1 in one sentence.
2
FWhich is the best summary of paragraph 3 of Text 1? Choose one: Slug pellets can harm hedgehogs and other animals, so experts advise against them., Experts are famous, and they write many books. or Gardens are beautiful places in summer..
3
FHow many sentences are in paragraph 2 of Text 1? Write a number.
4
FWhich paragraph of Text 1 is about hibernation? Write the number.
5
PSSummarise paragraph 1 of Text 2 in one sentence.
6
PSWhat is the main idea of Text 2? Choose one: Phones should be banned at lunchtime., Sandwiches go cold. or Children should carry phones for safety..
7
RSummarise Text 2 in 25 words or fewer.
8
PSSummarise the letter, Text 3, in one sentence.
9
FAnswer both parts about paragraph 3 of Text 1.
(a)Which idea is the main idea of paragraph 3? Write it in five words or fewer.
(b)Which paragraph of Text 1 has advice about slug pellets? Write the number.
10
RWhy should a summary of a factual text leave out the writer's opinion? Explain in one sentence.
11
RSummarise Text 1 in two sentences, one for the hedgehog and one for the gardener.
12
RWrite a 20-word summary of Text 2 that keeps its main point, but none of its loaded words.
5.5

Using evidence and paraphrase accurately across texts

Year 7
Use evidence and quotation accurately from non-fiction (KS3 reading, R7), Compare what different texts say about the same issue (KS3 reading, R1)
Video lesson: Using evidence and paraphrase accurately across textsComing soon
Story. A student writes an essay about phones at lunchtime. She uses the three texts as evidence, and she must quote, or paraphrase, each one accurately.

A quotation copies the exact words, in quotation marks. A paraphrase states the same idea in your own words, without quotation marks. Both must match the text. Compare texts by saying where they agree, and where they disagree.

Key ideas

  • A quotation copies exact words, in quotation marks.
  • A paraphrase gives the same idea in your own words, and must be accurate.
  • When comparing texts, say what each says, then where they agree or disagree.
Worked example 5.5.1
Quote the words from Text 1 that give a time for hibernation.

Method. Find the time, then copy it exactly.

  1. Find the time. The text gives the months.
    November to March
  2. Copy it. Copy the words exactly.
    November to March
  3. Check the accuracy. The words match the text.
    match the text
  4. Write the answer.
    November to March

Check. The months are quoted exactly. ✓

Worked example 5.5.2
Paraphrase the evidence is clear from Text 2 without quotation marks.

Method. Keep the meaning, and change the words.

  1. Keep the meaning. The writer says the evidence is obvious.
    the evidence is obvious
  2. Check for quotation marks. A paraphrase has no quotation marks.
    no quotation marks
  3. Write the answer.
    the writer says the proof is obvious

Check. The paraphrase keeps the meaning. ✓

Worked example 5.5.3
Which quotation from Text 2 is accurate? Choose one: the evidence is obvious, the evidence is clear or the evidence is strong.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. The text says the evidence is clear, which matches exactly.
    the evidence is clear fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Obvious and strong are not in the text.
    the evidence is obvious and the evidence is strong do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    the evidence is clear

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a paraphrase must keep the same meaning. If you change "clear" to "strong", the meaning has changed.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Quote with quotation marks and exact words. Paraphrase without quotation marks, and check the meaning is the same.

Exercise 5E  Practice: accurate evidence and comparing texts

1
FCopy the months that give the hibernation period.
2
FCopy the words that describe the children's faces.
3
FWhich quotation from Text 2 is accurate? Choose one: the evidence is obvious, the evidence is clear or the evidence is strong.
4
PSQuote a short phrase from Text 2 that shows the writer's view of headteachers. Use quotation marks.
5
FDoes Text 3 quote Text 2 directly? Answer yes or no.
6
RParaphrase the writer's request in Text 3 in one sentence, without quotation marks.
7
FWhich text gives a fraction or part of a whole for the fall in reports? Write the text number.
8
FCopy the phrase that says the writer has not seen the figures.
9
RExplain how Text 2 and Text 3 disagree about the evidence.
10
FAnswer both parts about the requests in Text 3.
(a)Copy the word from Text 3 that means "give to others" in the phrase about data.
(b)Copy the phrase Text 3 uses to ask for balance.
11
RCombine two texts in one sentence to explain why parents might want the school's data.
12
RWhich of the three texts would best help a parent decide on the phone ban? Give two reasons.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
FactA statement that can be checked against evidence, such as a date or a measurement.
OpinionA judgement or feeling, often with words such as should, must, heroes or ashamed.
Bias and loaded languageBias favours one side; loaded words carry strong feeling. Name the word and its effect.
ReliabilityNamed sources, checkable details, balance and a clear purpose make a text more reliable.
SummaryState the main idea of each paragraph, join them in your own words, and leave out the detail.
Quotation and paraphraseQuote exact words in quotation marks; paraphrase in your own words, keeping the same meaning.

Can you…?

  • I can sort sentences into fact and opinion, and say how a fact can be checked
  • I can name loaded language and explain its effect on the reader
  • I can judge the reliability of a text, using sources, detail and balance
  • I can summarise the main ideas of several paragraphs in my own words
  • I can quote and paraphrase accurately, and compare two texts

Key terms

fact
something that can be checked against evidence
opinion
a view, feeling or judgement that cannot be proved in the same way as a fact
bias
a one-sided view that favours one side
loaded language
words that carry strong feelings, also called emotive language
reliability
how far a reader can trust a text, based on sources and evidence
paraphrase
the same meaning, in your own words, without quotation marks
main idea
the central point that a paragraph or text is about

Exercise 5Z  Check-up

1
Is this sentence a fact or an opinion? Hedgehogs hibernate through the winter, usually from November to March Choose one: fact or opinion.
2
Is this sentence a fact or an opinion? Parents, you must act now Choose one: opinion or fact.
3
Name the loaded word in robbed of conversation, laughter and friendship, and say what it suggests.
4
Which word is more neutral for the device children carry? Choose one: phones, addictive machines or screens of doom.
5
Which feature makes a source more reliable? Choose one: a named study with figures, a strong feeling or a catchy title.
6
Is Text 2 biased? Give one reason.
7
How many sentences are in paragraph 2 of Text 1? Write a number.
8
Summarise paragraph 3 of Text 1 in one sentence.
9
Paraphrase the evidence in Text 2, The evidence is clear, without quotation marks.
10
What is the main idea of Text 1? Choose one: Hedgehogs are declining, and gardeners can help them, Hedgehogs are noisy or Gardens are full of slugs.

Total 20 marks. Allow about 20 minutes.

Exercise 5X  Practice test questions

1
FRead this sentence from a newspaper column: "The headteachers who ban phones are heroes." Is this a fact or an opinion? Write one word.[1 mark]
2
RRead this sentence: "Hedgehogs hibernate through the winter, usually from November to March." Is this a fact or an opinion? Explain in one sentence.[2 marks]
3
RRead this sentence from a column: "The evidence is clear." Explain why this claim is not fully reliable.[2 marks]
4
RRead this sentence from a letter: "Bullying reports have fallen by a third." Explain what would make this claim more reliable.[2 marks]
5
RRead this sentence: "The headteachers who ban phones are heroes." Name the loaded word, and say what it makes the reader feel.[2 marks]
6
RRead this sentence from a report: "Experts recommend that gardeners do not use slug pellets." Explain why the word experts is vague.[2 marks]
7
PSSummarise this paragraph in one sentence: "Gardeners can help by leaving a gap under fences, so that hedgehogs can pass between gardens. Piles of leaves and log piles also give them safe places to rest."[2 marks]
8
RRead this sentence from a letter: "I have not seen the figures myself." Is this a fact or an opinion? Explain in one sentence.[2 marks]
9
PSUsing Text 2, paraphrase the writer's claim that "the evidence is clear", without quotation marks. Write one sentence.[2 marks]
10
PSRead these two sentences: "Hedgehogs are declining in the countryside. Many now live in towns." Write a one-sentence summary of both.[3 marks]
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