Interesting Knowledge: History of the Internet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NpczzIsnLU
Credit: © Melih Bilgil
We use it everyday, but have you ever wondered how the Internet came about? Watch this interesting video to find out more.
Inferential Question Type
An inference is a conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning [New Oxford American Dictionary]. In other words, an inference should not be based on personal perception or pre-conceived ideas that are not grounded in evidence. Thus, one has to study the source carefully before making a reasoned judgement about it.
The ability to make an inference based on evidence is a critical thinking skill that is needed to process any kind of sources. It forms the foundation on which all other skills would rest upon. Refer to Source A for the rest of this section to learn more about this skill.
For the sake of simplicity, I have also grouped another 2 question types under this category. In this section, you will learn the 3 question types that test your ability to infer (Example 1), deduce the purpose of the source (Example 2) and detect the author's stand (Example 3).
An inference is a conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning [New Oxford American Dictionary]. In other words, an inference should not be based on personal perception or pre-conceived ideas that are not grounded in evidence. Thus, one has to study the source carefully before making a reasoned judgement about it.
The ability to make an inference based on evidence is a critical thinking skill that is needed to process any kind of sources. It forms the foundation on which all other skills would rest upon. Refer to Source A for the rest of this section to learn more about this skill.
For the sake of simplicity, I have also grouped another 2 question types under this category. In this section, you will learn the 3 question types that test your ability to infer (Example 1), deduce the purpose of the source (Example 2) and detect the author's stand (Example 3).
Source A
A political cartoon on the sale of assault weapons in America. This cartoon was published on 17 Sep 2004 immediately after the U.S Congress allowed an assault weapons ban to lapse in the same month.
A political cartoon on the sale of assault weapons in America. This cartoon was published on 17 Sep 2004 immediately after the U.S Congress allowed an assault weapons ban to lapse in the same month.
NRA: National Rifle Association.
Credit: © Chappatte
*U.S Congress is the law-making body of the federal government of the United States.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Example 1 - Inferential
Study Source A
What does Source A tell you about the sale of assault weapons in America? Explain your answer.
This is the most common kind of inference question that can be asked. Inference question like this requires one to talk about what the source shows regarding the sale of assault weapons in America. Observe the 'interesting' details in the source and think about what they mean. Putting these information together will help you arrive at the correct interpretation of this cartoon. Think about what these parts of the cartoon mean before you click on them to reveal more.
What does Source A tell you about the sale of assault weapons in America? Explain your answer.
This is the most common kind of inference question that can be asked. Inference question like this requires one to talk about what the source shows regarding the sale of assault weapons in America. Observe the 'interesting' details in the source and think about what they mean. Putting these information together will help you arrive at the correct interpretation of this cartoon. Think about what these parts of the cartoon mean before you click on them to reveal more.
This adds sarcasm to the cartoon as the cartoonist deliberately creates a huge contrast between the items (pen knife, small retractable blade & nail cutter) shown on the board and the assault weapons that are displayed prominently behind the counter.
The cartoonist is pointing out what really should have been banned (guns), because it's dangerous, is now being sold openly. He considers that absurd. He draws the attention of the reader to such absurdity of the idea of selling truly dangerous weapons to the public through an exaggerated effect of the pen knife and such.
The cartoonist is pointing out what really should have been banned (guns), because it's dangerous, is now being sold openly. He considers that absurd. He draws the attention of the reader to such absurdity of the idea of selling truly dangerous weapons to the public through an exaggerated effect of the pen knife and such.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Example 2 - Purpose
Study Source A
Why did the cartoonist draw this cartoon? Explain your answer.
This type of question requires you to show the purpose and motive behind the source, as it wants you to figure out the actual intention of the cartoonist. To answer this kind of question, extract information from the source descriptor using the C.I.A approach to help you find out about about the intention of the cartoonist.
"This cartoon was published on 17 September 2004 immediately after the U.S Congress allowed an assault weapons ban to lapse." This is part of the 'context' of the source and holds the key to the reason why the cartoonist would publish something like this. It's not a coincidence that it was drawn immediately after the US Congress allowed the sale of assault weapons.
Why did the cartoonist draw this cartoon? Explain your answer.
This type of question requires you to show the purpose and motive behind the source, as it wants you to figure out the actual intention of the cartoonist. To answer this kind of question, extract information from the source descriptor using the C.I.A approach to help you find out about about the intention of the cartoonist.
"This cartoon was published on 17 September 2004 immediately after the U.S Congress allowed an assault weapons ban to lapse." This is part of the 'context' of the source and holds the key to the reason why the cartoonist would publish something like this. It's not a coincidence that it was drawn immediately after the US Congress allowed the sale of assault weapons.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Example 3 - Author's Stand
Study Source A
Is the cartoonist a supporter of guns sale in America? Explain your answer.
To know whether the cartoonist is a supporter of guns sale or not, it is not enough to just analyse the content of the source (even though it does help). The manner in which the source is delivered to the audience is also important. Manner refers to the way (tone) in which the source is delivered across to the target audience.
The tone of a source refers to the stand that the author has taken towards an issue. Even though the feelings of the author can tell us something about the stand he has taken, it should not be taken to mean the stand itself.
For example:
"Tom, I'm very upset that you have not been contributing towards the project work! Instead of spending time to work on your part, you have wasted your time playing computer games."
As you can see, I may sound angry (emotion), but my stand towards his attitude is a disapproving (tone) one. Now back to the question. The manner in which the cartoonist has conveyed his ideas would show whether he is a supporter or not. This can be seen in this part of the cartoon. Take note of the manner (tone) in which the cartoonist has portrayed the issue. One thing is obvious: he's not neutral towards the idea of guns sale.
Is the cartoonist a supporter of guns sale in America? Explain your answer.
To know whether the cartoonist is a supporter of guns sale or not, it is not enough to just analyse the content of the source (even though it does help). The manner in which the source is delivered to the audience is also important. Manner refers to the way (tone) in which the source is delivered across to the target audience.
The tone of a source refers to the stand that the author has taken towards an issue. Even though the feelings of the author can tell us something about the stand he has taken, it should not be taken to mean the stand itself.
For example:
"Tom, I'm very upset that you have not been contributing towards the project work! Instead of spending time to work on your part, you have wasted your time playing computer games."
As you can see, I may sound angry (emotion), but my stand towards his attitude is a disapproving (tone) one. Now back to the question. The manner in which the cartoonist has conveyed his ideas would show whether he is a supporter or not. This can be seen in this part of the cartoon. Take note of the manner (tone) in which the cartoonist has portrayed the issue. One thing is obvious: he's not neutral towards the idea of guns sale.
* Caution: Hovering the pointer above the Answer Box will reveal the answer. Do not do so unless you have an answer in mind.
Source A is trying to tell me that NRA supports the right to own and sell guns as its members stand to gain financially from it.
Reveal Example 1 Answer
The cartoonist drew this cartoon to blame the NRA for causing the assault weapons ban to lapse.
Reveal Example 2 Answer
The cartoonist is not a supporter of guns sale in America as he was sarcastic towards people who downplay the dangers of guns ownership.
Reveal Example 3 Answer
Some people say owning a gun is owning freedom. But I'm just glad my freedom is not for sale.
EdFN
MORE TO CHEW ON - Understanding tone in other types of sources
Even though such a source will not appear in the examination, it is interesting to see how the same statement can mean different things when it sounds different. Read Example 4.1 first before you go on to Example 4.2.
Example 4.1
"Wow! You're so beautiful!"
This statement suggests a compliment as the content shows that it is. Listen to Audio 4.1 and hear how it sounds like.
"Wow! You're so beautiful!"
This statement suggests a compliment as the content shows that it is. Listen to Audio 4.1 and hear how it sounds like.
Audio 4.1
Example 4.2
"Wow! You're so beautiful!"
This statement remains the same but the tone has been changed now. Listen to Audio 4.2 and hear what it sounds like.
"Wow! You're so beautiful!"
This statement remains the same but the tone has been changed now. Listen to Audio 4.2 and hear what it sounds like.
Audio 4.2
The tone of a written source is harder to read as it can only be read 'between the lines'. The example below suggests that one doesn't mind the competition. In fact, the idea that "I love competition" sounds like one thrives best under such condition.
Click the button now to reveal the next sentence. On its own, the second sentence does not make any sense. But when read together with the first sentence, it changes the meaning of the first sentence. The second sentence acts as a 'qualifier' to give a certain quality to the first one. It reveals the real stand that one has taken towards other competitions. To arrive at the correct interpretation of the source, it is important to figure out the subtle meaning(s) 'embedded' in the sentences.
Click the button now to reveal the next sentence. On its own, the second sentence does not make any sense. But when read together with the first sentence, it changes the meaning of the first sentence. The second sentence acts as a 'qualifier' to give a certain quality to the first one. It reveals the real stand that one has taken towards other competitions. To arrive at the correct interpretation of the source, it is important to figure out the subtle meaning(s) 'embedded' in the sentences.
I love competition.
