READING & CRITICAL THINKING (2nd ed.

)
SUGGESTED ANSWERS
UNIT 1
Text 1
Target word
isolate

Word
function
verb

Meaning

perspective

noun

viewpoint

root spect means see

homeostasis

noun

state of balance

definition balanced state

adverse

adjective

unfavourable

root verse means go against

Obtain a substance root iso means alone

by separating it from
other substances

Text 2
Target word

Word
function
indiscriminate adjective

Meaning
widespread

synonymous

adjective

duress

adjective

closely associated
with
stress

intervention

noun

action

Text 3
Target word

Type of clue

dehydrated

Word
function
adjective

Meaning
depleted of water

chaotic

adjective

disorganised

distinction
scavenging

noun
verb

difference
removing

Type of clue
example of wide range: from
professionals to laypeople; majority
root syn which means same
antonym to relaxed
experience of medical action in the form
of treatment of some kind

Type of clue
prefix de which means remove or
reverse + root hydra which means water
synonym disorganised within the same
sentence
example of different water treatments
antonym of replacing

UNIT 2
Identifying the Topic (pages 23-24)
Text 1 -- Ecological Crisis due to Overfishing
Text 2 -- Dreams / The Significance or Meaning of Dreams
Text 3 -- The Forms of Language
Text 4 -- The Economic System of Native Alaskans
Identifying the Stated Main Idea Sentence (pages 29-30)
Text 1
A Chinese government scientist made an announcement that a carving showing what appears to be an
ancient alien astronaut and a UFO had been found near a historical site between Guanxi and Guangdong.
Text 2
There are certain laws which govern the process of acquiring riches, and once these laws are learned and
obeyed by anyone, that person will get rich with mathematical certainty.
Text 3
The Law of Attraction states that we attract into our lives, that which we focus our thoughts upon.
Text 4
Modern western medical practitioners tend to prescribe drugs that relieve symptoms of disease rather than
cure the disease.
Text 5
The earth is surrounded by its own magnetic field that forms a shield which protects the surface of the
planet from energetic charged particles coming from the sun and elsewhere.
Identifying the Stated Main Idea and Supporting Details (pages 32-35)
Text 1
a. Main idea: Due to the illegal nature of trafficking and differences in methods, the exact extent and
growth of the industry is unknown
b. Major supporting detail: According to United States State Department data, an "estimated 600,000 to
820,000 men, women, and children [are] trafficked across international borders each year,
approximately 80% are women and girls and up to 50 percent are minors.
c. Minor supporting details :
i.
Of the 45,000 to 50,000 that are brought to the U.S., 30,000 come from Asia, 10,000 from Latin
America and 5,000 from other regions e.g., the former Soviet Union.
ii. The primary Asian source countries to the U.S. are China, Thailand and Vietnam.
Text 2
a. Main idea: Its true that technology can be used for good, but with new developments come new
challenging issues

b. Major idea : Many people see technology as a solution to some of the problems that exist on our
planet.
Minor idea : Unfortunately, even where computer facilities are readily available, the digital
divide persists even in the worlds most wealthy countries, access to the latest and most
beneficial technologies is limited for those in rural areas and people with disabilities
c. Major idea: The digital divide is one such issue, one that people are actively trying to overcome
Minor idea 1 Telecentres aim to bridge the digital divide by providing people access to and
knowledge about information technologies.
Minor idea 2: A global telecentre movement is growing right now
Text 3
a. Main idea: Throughout the history of agriculture, farmers have inadvertently altered the genetics of
their crops through introducing them to new environments and breeding them with other plantsone
of the first forms of biotechnology.
b. Major supporting detail: The processes and methods of agriculture have been refined by mechanical
and biological sciences since its inception.
c. Minor supporting detail: Although not normally thought of as biotechnology, agriculture clearly fits
the broad definition of "using a biotechnological system to make products" such that the cultivation of
plants may be viewed as the earliest biotechnological enterprise. OR Through early biotechnology,
farmers were able to select the best suited crops, having the highest yields, to produce enough food to
support a growing population. OR Other uses of biotechnology were required as the crops and fields
became increasingly large and difficult to maintain.
Text 4 :
Main idea: Understanding and respecting the gaps within the four known generations Traditionalist,
Baby Boomers, Generation X and Y - is vital if we want to live peacefully amongst the four generations
Major idea A:. The Traditionalists are those born before 1945 and have experienced hardship
during their younger years.
Support for A: They are known as hardworking, loyal and respect authority as a result of
their previous environment and upbringing.
Major idea B:. Baby Boomers on the other hand, born between 1946 and 1964, are considered as
the largest generation of all time spanning almost 20 years.
Support for B: This generation has been identified as those who delayed retirement,
workaholics and have made a lot of sacrifices in order to establish their family, social
welfare and career.
Major idea C:. Generation X is the group of people born between 1965 and 1979
Support for C: Generation X value work and life balance,
Major idea D:. Generation Y, born between 1980 to 2000, grow up in the era of technology and
are constantly in contact with each other due to the technological advances of this era.
Support for D: Generation Y, also known as E and www., want things to be done
speedily, do not like social order, and do not appreciate traditional viewpoints and ways.
OR They do posses positive attributes such as optimistic, demanding, confident and
technology savvy.

Identifying the Implied Main Idea (pages 38-42)

Text 1 -- Since ethnocentrism exists in everyone, one should always look at a situation
objectively and without bias when making a judgment.
Text 2 -- A German study found that our brains are more likely to figure out a solution
after some hours of sleep.
Text 3 -- Studies have indicated that watching television, regardless of the nature of the
program, contribute to several negative effects to children.
Text 4 -- The economic rewards of drug business which is paralleled to the growth of
transportation, tourism and communications has made it possible for drugs to
be made available almost everywhere.
Text 5 -- As the number of men smokers decrease, tobacco industry is now focusing on
women and children as their new targets.
Text 6 -- There are two types of conflicts and they are known as non-violent conflicts
and violent conflicts.
Text 7 -- Climate change has not only harmed people and the ecosystem, but it has also
made us faced the issue on how to avoid the most dangerous, while adapting to
and managing the existing ones.
Text 8 -- Even though technology is a solution to some problems, it cannot be denied
that digital divide does exist.
Classifying Supporting Details (pages 45-46)
Task 1
TEXT

Fact or
Opinion

1.

Pesticides are designed to kill unwanted

living things, or pests, whether they are
insects, weeds, fungi, termites, mites
rodents or bacteria.

2.

All pesticides are dangerous to living things

- and that include human beings.

3.

Wealthy countries tend to use the most

resources and produce the most pollution,
and poorer countries tend to suffer the
most.

4.

Today, about 60 billion pounds (27 billion Fact

Reason

Fact

Can be verified by asking pesticide

manufacturers

Fact/
Opinion

Can be verified by testing the effects of

pesticides on living things./ The
judgement word dangerous.

Fact/
Opinion

Can be verified by research comparing

the use of resources and the production
of pollution by the wealthy countries and
those less wealthy than them./ The
judgement word wealthy.
The statistics can be verified [judgement

kg) of fish, sharks and seabirds die each

year as bycatch animals caught
accidentally as a result of wasteful fishing
techniques.

word wasteful is not in main part of the

sentence but in definition of a word in
the sentence.]

5.

Of all natural resources, water is the most

essential.

Opinion

Judgement word essential

6.

Supply of water is diminishing rapidly as

human populations swell and inefficiently
drain precious aquifers (water sources).

Opinion

Judgement words: rapidly, precious

7.

Tropical rain forests once covered 12

percent of the land of the planet.

Fact

Can be verified by checking historical

data.
Judgement word famous

8.

Dinosaurs, saber-toothed tigers, and the

dodo bird are famous examples of animals
that have become extinct,

Opinion

Task 2
Type of supporting detail
The Art of Living and the International Association of Human Fact. It can be verified through
Values set up a shelter in Shivpora (Srinagar) for children like the mentioned organizations.
Arshad. Around 250 children most of whom had lost their
parents in the earthquake were:

given nutritious food and warm clothing

immunized against measles
taught stress-elimination breath techniques to cope with the
trauma

Gradually, the structure expanded:

A Day Home: an educational centre with a computer

laboratory
A Night Home: hostel

Fact. It can be verified by

asking the occupants about
the facilities.

Impressed by the work, the Education Department of the J&K

Government sponsored and renovated an unused building to set
Opinion. It cannot be verified .
up a permanent school.
The
sentences
contain
It is indeed heartening to learn about your sincere efforts to subjective words indeed
rehabilitate the quake-affected people of Kashmir, especially heartening, sincere, efforts,
the children. I am sure your efforts will bring hope into the sorrow and it also contains
lives of these orphans who have experienced so much sorrow at future expression will bring

such an early age.

hope.

Dr Syeda Hameed,
Member, Planning Commission, Delhi
April 21, 2006

Fact. It can be verified as it

contains figures that can be
Today, the schools infrastructure is growing. This is the first traced through investigation
middle school for deprived children in Kashmir to have a and interviews with the school
computer laboratory and vocational training centre. Presently, personnel
there are 135 students in the school, with 100 of them living in
the hostel.
Is the above article well supported?
Yes. It is well supported as it contains facts and evidence that can be verified through
research and investigation. For example, the author gives statistics of around 250 children who
were given nutritious food and warm clothing immunized against measles and taught stresselimination breath techniques to cope with the trauma.
What is the main idea of the article?
The Art of Living and the International Association of Human Values have set up a shelter in
Shivpora for children affected by disaster, violence and poverty.

UNIT 3
Exercise 1: Purpose
1.
2.
3.
4.

Inform
Instruct
Entertain
Persuade

Exercise 2: Tone in statements

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Neutral, objective, impartial, dispassionate

Skeptical
Enthusiastic, passionate
Anxious, concerned, worried
Encouraging, optimistic
Serious
Irritated, frustrated
nostalgic

Exercise 3: Tone in paragraphs

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

irritated: misconceptions; lack of knowledge; do not understand; rash generalizations

angry: playing God; nave view
neutral, objective: All the sentences have a neutral tone.
Angry, sarcastic: ridiculous; Can you guarantee ...?
Humorous, flippant: All the sentences contribute to the humorous tone.

Exercise 4: Connotation
1
2
3
4
5
6

cheap
shoddy
economical
petite
short
dumpy
curious
prying
probing
foolhardy
brave
valiant
fight
battle
brawl
rest
loaf

Neutral
Negative
Positive
Positive
Neutral
Negative
Neutral
Negative
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Positive
Neutral
Positive
Negative
Positive
Negative

7
8

laze
eat
gorge
consume
trivial
unimportant
minor

Neutral
Neutral
Negative
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Positive

Exercise 5: Bias
Text 1
a.
b.
c.
d.

Objective
No bias
The author just wants to give advice and information._ His tone is neutral and objective.
Inform and instruct

Text 2
a. Biased

b. He is against gun control.

c. His tone is very emotional. His choice of words (in bold in passage) clearly show his
bias. He quotes a famous person to support his argument. There is no refutation, and all
the support he provides is against gun control.
d. Persuade
Text 3
a. Biased
b. He is in favour of therapeutic cloning.
c. His tone is emotional and determined. His choice of words (in bold in passage) clearly
show his bias. There is no refutation, and all the support he provides is in favour of
therapeutic cloning.
d. Persuade
Text 4
a. Objective
b. No bias
c. He presents both sides of the issue (underlined and in bold), his tone is neutral and all that
he says can be verified. There is little or no personal opinion.
d. Inform
Text 5
a. Mostly objective (except for the word surprisingly

b. No bias.
c. The author just wants to give information. His tone is neutral and objective. All that he
says can be verified.
d. Inform
Text 6
a. Biased
b. He is against spanking children.
c. His tone is very emotional. His choice of words (in bold in passage) clearly show his
bias.
d. persuade
Text 7
a. objective
b. No bias
c. His tone is basically neutral. He does not use judgment words. He gives plenty of
statistical evidence that can be verified to support his argument.
d. inform

Text 8
a. Biased
b. He is against the death penalty.
c. His tone is very emotional. His choice of strong judgment words (in bold in passage)
clearly show his bias. Though there is some refutation, the bulk of the support he
provides is against the death penalty.
d. Persuade
Text 9
a. Biased
b. He is against euthanasia.
c. His tone is very emotional. His choice of words (in bold in passage) clearly show his
bias. There is no refutation, and all the support he provides is against euthanasia.
d. Persuade
Text 10
a. Biased
b. He is against killing animals for meat.
c. His tone is very emotional. His choice of words (in bold in passage) clearly show his
bias. There is some refutation but the bulk of the support he provides is against killing
animals for meat..
d. Persuade

UNIT 4
Text 1
1. He will die in Samarra.
2. No matter how hard one tries to escape death, one cannot avoid it when ones time is up.
Text 2

For the mainstream media, making money from advertising cell phones is more important than
warning the public about the dangers of cell phones. / The mainstream media prioritize profits over
public health. / The mainstream media is ignorant of cell phone dangers.
Text 3

a. Microwaving food turns the food into something that is harmful.

b. Minor premise: Microwaving food turns the food into something that is harmful.
Conclusion: People should avoid eating food cooked in a microwave oven.
c. The courts are supposed to protect the interest of the public.
d. Commercial interests often take priority over public interests.
Text 4
a. Meditation is more effective than morphine in reducing pain.
b. Minor Premise: Meditation is more effective than morphine in reducing pain.
c. Conclusion: Doctors should recommend meditation to patients suffering from pain.
Text 5
Type of reasoning
Evidence 1

Evidence 2

Conclusion

Inductive

The National Cancer Institute of Canada reported that women who

have regular mammograms are more likely to die of breast cancer
than women who eschew this test.
A human study reported in the British Medical Journal discovered
that there were 29 per cent more deaths from breast cancer in
women who had had mammography.
Breast cancer seems to be higher in women who take their
doctors advice and have mammograms.

Text 6
Type of reasoning
Major premise
Minor premise

Conclusion

Deductive

There is a field of light energy surrounding your body, called the

biophoton field.
Your physical health is dependent not only on what goes on inside
of your body but is also interconnected with and dependent on other
levels of energy.
The greater your light energy, the greater the power of your overall
electromagnetic field, and consequently the more energy is
available for healing and maintenance of optimal health.

Text 7
1. B. Its hair-like projections
2. Smoking tobacco or marijuana
3. Smokers
4. They should be advised to give up smoking.
Text 8
1.. Consumption of animal-based protein has a negative effect on health.
2. Statistics:

When we compare people on diets that are virtually nil in animal protein with those for
whom animal protein is upwards of 20 to 30% of the total protein intake, the cholesterol
levels go, on average, from around 90 mg per 100 ml to about 170 mg per 100 ml.
Research:

Earlier studies have provided impressive evidence that when a reduction in fat is compared to
a reduction in protein, the protein effect on blood cholesterol is more significant than the
effect of saturated fat.
3. To persuade people to replace animal protein with plant protein.
4. The author is in favour of plant-based food./The author is against animal-based food.
He presented only the negative health effects of consuming animal protein.
5. C. Emphatic
6. Not Harmful
Fairly Harmful
Very Harmful
Extremely Harmful

Tofu
Coconut Oil
Skinless Chicken Breast
Beef

UNIT 5
TEXT 1 - Argument by Muhammed Daniel
1. Yes, a controversial issue is being discussed. This issue is about using nuclear power for power
generation.
2. The author is in favour of using nuclear power to generate electricity in Malaysia./The author
thinks that Malaysia should become a producer of nuclear power/ Malaysia should follow in
South Koreas footsteps in becoming a nuclear power producer. He is pro-nuclear energy
generation.
3. Yes, it is clear/obvious/apparent that the author is biased. (a) The author conveys his bias by
presenting favourable information from an authority (Professor Dr Jong H. Kim) which shows
that South Korea has benefited from the nuclear program: it has accelerated South Koreas
economic development/turned around the nation after the war/help raised the countrys per capita
income/comparative figures on land required to build alternative forms of energy
producers/lower monthly household bills from usage of nuclear energy. (b) The author uses
words and phrases with positive connotations when describing South Koreas successful story,
for example, peaceful, largest, become a major player in the world economy, more electricity,
more factories, higher standard of living, diverse science and high technology-driven sectors,
comfortable living environment, electricity bill greatly reduced, stabilized, not at the mercy of oil
and gas supply and demand equation, huge power output, 80% resident approval, relatively safe,
dazzling.
4. There are assumptions made by the author regarding the issue. The author bases his argument
on some of the following assumptions:
(a) Nuclear power generation will raise Malaysias per capita income.
(b) Malaysia will enjoy the same economic benefits as those enjoyed by South Korea if Malaysia
sets up nuclear power plants.
(c) Malaysia can become a major economic power if Malaysia sets up nuclear power plants.
(d) There is expertise and professionalism in managing Malaysias nuclear plants.
5. The types of support presented by the author to make his case include the following;
(a) Expert testimony by Professor Dr Jong H. Kim, one of the founders of South Koreas
peaceful nuclear programme.
(b) example of how South Korea became an economic power.
(c) statistics and comparisons (for example, paragraph 2, paragraph 4, paragraph 5, paragraph 6,
paragraph 7) to draw attention to the benefits of setting up the nuclear plants.
(d) facts (for example, paragraph 1, paragraph 2, paragraph 6)

6. Yes, the support is directly related to the argument, and it uses the expertise of one of the
founders of South Koreas peaceful nuclear programme.
7. The support is based on only one example that of South Korea.
8. Generally, the author does address some counterpoints: For instance, (1) depleting oil, and
coal reserves, (2) the land required for various alternative forms of energy.
However, it would have been better if other important counterpoints had also been addressed.
These counterpoints would include the following;
(a) what the reputable estimates in paragraph 4 are. (a vague reference)
(b) The dangers of nuclear waste are not mentioned, though there is mention of the nuclear waste
management facility.
(c) Potential dangers are not mentioned and addressed. It is relatively safe This statement
implies that he accepts there are still dangers, but these dangers are not made explicit, neither are
ways of dealing with these dangers.
9. Yes, the argument is valid because the facts and figures can be verified, and the argument is
well reasoned.
10. The argument is credible because the support makes use of expert testimony one of the
founders of the successful South Korean nuclear programme, and the argument has extensive
relevant support that can be verified.
(A gentle reminder: a credible argument is well supported and well reasoned/logical. The
author does not need to prove that his argument is correct.)
TIP: Do not be influenced by your own biases its not what you believe, but what the
writer believes! Has he convinced you, the reader?
TEXT 2
1s the nuclear option the right one for Malaysia?
1. Yes, a controversial issue is being discussed. The author is discussing the controversial issue of
the Malaysian governments plan to pursue nuclear energy.
2. The authors position is that he does not think the nuclear option is the right one for Malaysia.
He is not in favour of Malaysias plan to pursue nuclear energy. Hes anti nuclear power
generation.
3.It is obvious that the author is baised. His bias is shown through three arguments he put
forward: (a) greenhouse gas emissions associated with the nuclear lifecycle (b) direct threats to
human health even without accidents (c) higher operatingcosts compared to other energyefficient and renewable resources. Notice that he has not mentioned the benefits of nuclear
energy. Words he uses to describe nuclear energy production/generation have negative
connotations, for example, emit substantial amounts of greenhouse gas, worse, do not only
poison the climate, riase the potential cost, extra price tag, higher risks of cancer and

unexplained deaths, dangerously radioactive chemicals, contaminants, elevated rates of

luekaemia and brain cancers, deaths and cancers, no-way cost-competitive, force taxpayers to
purchase, serious risks relating to greenhouse gases
4. Yes, the author assumes that wind, biomass, geothermal and hydroelectric power plants do not
emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. He assumes that Malaysian policymakers have not
seriously considered other options of generating energy.
5. For support, the author uses
(a) statistics (for example, 66 grammes of carbon dioxide) 522,323 metric tons of associated
carbon dioxide per year, US$30 a ton, US$15.7 million, 104 operating nuclear reactors, 175
deaths, 58 cancers)
(b) research findings study conducted by UN, the Public Health Project
(c) comparisons for example, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydroelectric plants produce
electricity for about five to seven cents per kWh, nuclear plants produce power at about 10-40
cents per kWh.
(d) case studies of US, EU
(e) expert testimony Ronald McCoys opinion
6. Yes, the support is directly related to the argument.
7. Yes, the support is objective.
8. Yes, the argument is complete with the inclusion of the Deputy Science, Technology and
Innovation Ministers remarks about nuclear energy: over time, nuclear energy is the cheapest,
and environmentally friendly with no pollutants produced. In fact, the authors argument is
intended to refute/rebut this view. He is aware that nuclear energy generation is viewed
positively by policymakers as he includes the advantages of nuclear energy when citing from an
authority.
9. The argument is valid/logical because it is well reasoned through the provision of different
types of strong support.
10. Generally the argument is credible/convincing, as most information given in the article can
be verified. For example, radioactive chemicals/contaminants created, information on renewable
energy investments in the US and EU. However, it would have been better if more
details/specifics are given, for example, A global study by the UN
(A gentle reminder: a credible argument is well supported and well reasoned/logical. The
author does not need to prove that his argument is correct.)
TIP: Do not be influenced by your own biases its not what you believe, but what the
writer believes! Has he convinced you, the reader?

REVIEW

REVIEW SECTION
TEXT 1
Question 1
a. medications / treatments / solutions
b. alternative
c. damaging / destructive
d. nervousness
e. adverse / unwanted / harmful
Question 2
b. The Risks of Herbal Remedies
Question 3
The writers point of view is its important for consumers to be informed about know about the
risks of taking herbal remedies to ones health.
Question 4
The writers purpose is to inform/educate public about the risks of taking herbal remedies
without knowing the effects of the treatment to ones health.
Question 5
The authors intended audience are the patients, herbal practitioners and doctors.
Question 6
a. The main idea of paragraph 1 is :
Across the globe, people are reaching out for herbal remedies for the treatments of both
common ailments and serious diseases.
b. The supporting details of paragraph 1 are:
i.
Base on words of advice being passed from generation to generation, and
availability of reading materials via internet, millions believe that taking herbal
remedies are safe compared to drugs prescribed by doctors.
ii.
Apparently, a study conducted in Britain revealed that almost half of the British
population tries complementary medicine at some point in their lives, and more
than 450 million a year is spent on such treatments.
Question 7
Taking herbal remedies can be harmful to our body system especially when interact with medical
drugs.

Question 8

F/O

Why?

a. Across the globe, people are reaching

out for herbal remedies for the O
treatments of both common ailments
and serious diseases.

Because it cannot be verified.

b. Ginger is widely used in treating a F

number of common ailments including
nausea, common cold, congestion and
flu.

It can be
interviewing
practitioners.

c. Studies however have shown that St. F

Johns wort interacts with drugs used
in cases of HIV and immune
suppressants used in transplant
patients. .

It can be verified by asking

medical doctors.

d. According to medical practitioners, F

although Ginko may improve blood
flow, it also consists of properties that
may result in undesirable effects
especially to those with blood
circulation disorders and those taking
ibuprofen, aspirin or warfarin.

It can be verified by asking

medical doctors.

verified by
herbal

Question 9
The authors tone is serious.
Question 10
Assumption 1: Herbal practitioners and medical doctors have not provided the necessary
information to consumers before issuing prescriptions to patients.
Assumption 2 : Patients never inform doctors about their alternative medicine.
Question 11
The writer argues that public/patients should be informed about the side effects of taking herbal
remedies especially for those who are taking medical drugs as the interactions would cause
serious damage.
QUESTION 12
Two types of support given by the writer to strengthen his or her argument are
i. Type of support : Expert opinion
Example : Doctors claim that it can interact with drugs such as warfarin and thus produce
hazardous reactions..
ii.

Type of support : Research findings

Example : Even though it is considered safe and is recognized by Food and Drug
Administration in United States, studies have actually indicated that like garlic, this root
may have blood thinning properties.
Question 13
Yes, the writers argument is objective as the writer presents facts that could be verified. For
instance the writer explains about findings of research regarding hazardous effects as a result of
consuming both herbal medicine and medical drugs. The writer includes name of drugs
warfarin to support her argument. The writer also includes name of authority body Food and
Drug Administration in United States as part of support.
The argument is not complete because the writer does not include findings/research from herbal
practitioners to counter the argument. The argument could have been further weaken if the writer
includes findings of research from herbal practitioners.

TEXT 2
QUESTION 1

a. drive desire/motivation/urge
b. furnish provide
c. anomalies irregularities
d. prolific- many/ a lot
e. conspicuous obvious/highly noticeable

QUESTION 2

Dr. Ian Stevensons research on reincarnation revealed physical and behavioural evidence for
reincarnation.

QUESTION 3

a. Type of support:
Example: 1

Example 2

Research findings
During his original research into various cases involving childrens
memories of past lives, Dr Stevenson did note with interest the fact that
these children frequently bore lasting birthmarks which were supposedly
related to their murder or the death they suffered in a previous life.
Children usually begin to talk about their memories between the ages of
two and four. Such infantile memories gradually dwindle when the child
is between four and seven years old.

b. Type of support:
Example: 1

Example 2

Statistics
Only 30% to 60% of these deformities can be put down to birth defects
related to genetic factors, virus infections or chemical causes the
medical profession has no other explanation for the other 40% to 70% of
cases.
In 35% of the cases he investigated, children who had died an unnatural
death in their previous lives developed phobias.

QUESTION 4
4.0

Types of proof for reincarnation

4.1
Objective
4.1.1 Birthmarks
4.1.2 Congenital defects
4.2
Subjective
4.2.1 Memories
4.2.2 Reports

QUESTION 7
The childrens behaviour is influenced by their past lives.
QUESTION 8

Type of reasoning

Inductive reasoning

Evidence 1

If they had drowned in a past life then they frequently

developed a phobia about going out of their depth in water.
If they had been shot, they were often afraid of guns and
sometimes loud bangs in general.
Children who died an unnatural death developed phobias.

Evidence 2
Conclusion
QUESTION 9
Suggested answers:

Past life experience as the opposite sex.

Surplus hormones of the opposite sex.
Upbringing where parents treat their children like the opposite sex,

QUESTION 10

Yes, the article is objective because the supporting details used are not the authors personal
judgement but are information from external sources such as research findings.
QUESTION 11

The article is generally valid because the author supports it with relevant facts such as research
findings of physical evidence for reincarnation.
QUESTION 12

The article is generally credible because the author supports it with facts that others can verify by
carrying out their own research.

TEXT 3
QUESTION 1
a. shrunken reduced/smaller
b. accommodate include/make room for
c.entice attract/tempt
d. enthusiasm- interest in/approval for
QUESTION 2
Yes, he is in favour of Malaysias plan to set up an F1 team.

QUESTION 3
Paragraph VIII
Implied Main Idea (construct your own sentence which expresses the writers main point- what
point is he making?) Many Malaysian professionals/talents are working outside Malaysia.
Supporting Detail 1: How many Malaysian doctors are now practicing in renowned clinics
around the world?
Supporting Detail 2: How many Malaysian engineers and technologists are working in leading
companies outside the country?

QUESTION 4
a. Fact
b. Fact
c. Fact
d. Opinion
e.Opinion
f. Opinion
(TIP: FACTS can be verified by research, experimentation, observation. OPINIONS are beliefs,
judgments)
QUESTION 5
Authors argument
Malaysia should set up an F1 team

Type and example of support

Paragraph VI growth of economic
activities examples (of the different
business activities)
Paragraph VII- Land required for the F1
facility comparative statistics

QUESTION 6
Yes, the supporting details (given in the box above) are relevant to the argument. (a)They
constitute strong support to convince readers that Malaysia should set up an F1 team because a
wide range of business activities/spin offs will also be created (an economic advantage), and (b)
The F1 facility will not require a lot of land. The statistics given are convincing particularly,
comparison with Putrajya (5500ha) F1 facility (20 acres)

QUESTION 7
Yes, the writers argument is objective and complete for example, the author presents facts and
clear evidence about the land requirements, description of the business spin-offs, the availability
of Malaysian talents and infrastructure, inclusion of F1 locations, inclusion of expertise Lotus
name.
It is complete because it addresses opposing points for example (1) requirement of 1billion a
year and cost cutting by FIA (2) substantial land requirement counterarguments are presented
to show the reader that the opposing points are not valid.

QUESTION 8
Lets really participate and not just spectate The tone is sincere, supportive, hopeful,
encouraging, positive, optimistic, enthusiastic.
We can infer that the writer genuinely wants readers to support Malaysias involvement in Team
1 Malaysia Lotus F1. The writer wants to show that the investment/involvement/paticipation will
bring many benefits to Malaysia.
QUESTION 9
Paragraph IV
Type of reasoning
Evidence 1
Evidence 2
Conclusion

Deductive reasoning
We have great facilities but not the Malaysian champions to
cheer in them
The FIA has been pushing cost-cutting measures for F1
The timing for the Malaysian involvement in F1 is now right

QUESTION 10
Subjective response- answers need to show that the reader has carefully evaluated the authors
argument. TIP: Ask yourself, are you convinced?

TEXT 4
QUESTION 1
What do the following words mean as they are used in the passage?
a)
humane (line 5)
compassionate/kind/caring, __
a)

motive (line 16)

b)

intolerable (line 31)

c)

rationalized (line 51)

reason/purpose/intention__________
unbearable/excruciating/insufferable___
made sense of/explained_____

QUESTION 2
What is the writers argument?
There are advantages and disadvantages to legalizing euthanasia
QUESTION 3
What is the writers purpose for writing this article?
To inform
QUESTION 4
Write down the implied main idea and supporting details of paragraph VI.
a)
Implied Main Idea:
Legalizing euthanasia will not encourage family heirs to misuse this right.
b)
Supporting Detail 1:
Even in the absence of legalized mercy killing, the relatives can withdraw the life support
systems that could lead to the early death of the said individual.
c)
Supporting Detail 2:
In passive involuntary euthanasia, family heirs arent actively causing the death, but passively
waiting for it without the patients consent.
QUESTION 5
Read each of the following statements. Decide whether each statement represents a
Fact or an Opinion and explain why. Write your answers in the space provided.
a)

Albania, Belgium, Netherlands, Oregon, Switzerland and Luxembourg are some places
where euthanasia or assisted suicide has been legalized.
Fact. It can be verified.

b)

In an attempt to provide medical and emotional care to the patient, a doctor does and
should prescribe medicines that will relieve his suffering, even if the medications cause
gross side effects.
Opinion. The word should indicates a recommendation.

c)

Disrespect and overuse of (passive) euthanasia has always existed and will be practised by
surrogates with false motives.
Opinion. The words Disrespect, overuse of (passive) euthanasia and will be
practised by surrogates with false motives all indicate opinions and judgment words
that cannot be verified.

QUESTION 6
Do you think the writer gives enough support for his argument? Explain your answer.
a)
YES / NO
a)
Explanation: He presents mostly opinions and uses many judgment words. He does not
offer many facts to back his statements. Though he is being objective, he fails to present
sufficient evidence for both sides of his argument.
QUESTION 7
a)
Are the supporting details given in the passage relevant?
Yes
b)
Explain why.
They are related to the argument.
QUESTION 8
What is the writers tone?
Neutral/objective
QUESTION 9
How objective is the authors argument? Explain why.
It is objective. He presents both sides of the argument equally. He does not express a personal
point of view.
QUESTION 10
Do you think the writer is biased? Explain your answer.
No. He argues both sides of the issue equally.
QUESTION 11
Mercy killing would cause decline in medical care and cause victimization of the most
vulnerable society.
What is the writer implying in this statement?
The author is implying that doctors will stop providing the best care for patients and those who
are sick and unable to protect themselves for any reason may be murdered in the name of
mercy and compassion.