This question normally tests your ability to identify different types of information as well explaining that particular type of information.

FACTS

´A fact is something which can be verified or proven and is true or accurate.

Study the source below and identify possible facts in the argument.

We must stop businesses, governments and organisations stealing our personal information and data. Why should a business know about my use of the internet and track my online shopping? Just to send me annoying advertisements? It wastes my time! If a government reads my emails and social media and disagrees with my views, I could be monitored and accused of things that are not true. Some political parties use data to spread fake news and false information to get your vote. This is bad for democracy. There is also digital crime. Data can be misused, computers hacked and identities stolen. Our computers are attacked every 39 seconds according to a security magazine. My data should only be used with my permission. All other data should be destroyed before it gets into the wrong hands.

Possible Facts

• ´Some political parties use data to spread fake news and false information.
• ´Some political parties use data to get your vote.
• ´Data can be misused, computers hacked and identities stolen.
• ´Our computers are attacked every 39 seconds according to a security magazine.

Bias

Bias is a tendency or prejudice for or against something, or an unbalanced approach to an issue, and not being prepared to consider counter arguments or other points of view.

Study the source below and then identify potential bias in the argument.

I understand your concerns, but secure data is extremely valuable. My work for a large data storage company gives me a great understanding of the risks. Recently, using the data from mobile phones to track people saved many lives in the virus pandemic. Medical data helped doctors to find cures for diseases and to produce vaccines. Biological engineering could reduce poverty and food shortages in developing countries and help with climate change. Research in our local university shows that computer data can forecast extreme weather conditions, preventing disaster. Smart meters in homes and factories can save energy and help to reduce climate change. Video cameras can help control traffic and that saves fuel. Data can make businesses more successful and profitable, giving more income to governments from taxes. Data is so valuable that it has been called ‘the new gold’. We should not waste the opportunities for a few fears about privacy.

Possible Answers

• ´His experience of working for a data storage company may have influenced his viewpoint.
• ´His argument is unbalanced showing very little consideration of other perspectives or counterarguments.
• ´Use of exaggerated language and phrases, for example ‘data is extremely valuable’.
• ´He only refers to positive aspects of data use.
• ´His lack of much evidence.

Valued Judgement

A value judgement is a view or decision about what is right or wrong, important, based on a particular set of standards, principles, or values.

Study the source below and then identify potential valued judgement in the argument.

Mio

We must improve our cities with cleaner, faster and healthier transport systems. Every person who leaves their home can make a difference. Leave the car behind; why not walk or ride your bicycle? This may add several years to your life because you will be fitter and there will be less air pollution. It is right to care for your health. Evidence from medical research tells us about the need for exercise. I heard a doctor on television talk about this in her health campaign, ‘Stay fit … Stay alive!’? This medical advice supports my case. You will save money too. Our individual choices are important and we should also look after each other. Staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic shows us what to do – less travel by car cleans the atmosphere and makes journeys quicker.  Live close to where you work, save time and enjoy the freedom this brings.

The following examples are found in Mio’s statement:

• ´It is right to care for your health.
• ´Our individual choices are important.
• ´We should also look after each other.

Opinion

An opinion is a point of view or someone’s belief, that is subjective, not necessarily shared by others, and may not be verifiable, or without evidence to support.

Study the source below and then identify potential opinions in the argument.

Mio, you are too hopeful. Most people are selfish and think only about themselves. Governments must take action. Only a government can afford to build more roads, pay for extra buses and develop a tram system. A government can make people pay to use their cars in cities and charge extra for parking. This will encourage people to use public transport. It will also provide income for the government to improve our lives. Governments could even limit private car ownership and promote car-sharing. Governments should use schools to teach children about the importance of looking after the planet. This includes making the right choices about personal transport. Individual actions are too small and global organisations are too distant from the problems.

Possible Answers

• ´Mio, you are too hopeful.
• ´Most people are selfish and think only about themselves.
• ´Governments must take action.
• ´Governments should use schools to teach children about the importance of looking after the planet.
• ´Individual actions are too small …
• ´Global organisations are too distant from the problems …
• ´This will encourage people to use public transport
• ´Only a government can afford …

Prediction

´A prediction is a statement about the future or something which is to come in time or happens after the present.

Study the source below and then identify potential prediction in the argument.

Jago

Remote working is good but there are problems. University research found that some remote workers feel isolated and have difficulty contacting their manager. They miss working in teams and socialising with other employees. Meeting by video conference is not effective and misunderstandings often occur. My friend is working from home, but some people accuse her of being lazy. Her boss uses computer data to check up on her. The company do not pay for her internet access. The company saves money, but my friend must pay for more heating and lighting. I read in a magazine that there are more distractions when you work from home and keeping on task is difficult. Without supervision work loses focus. However, some people work too hard and find it more difficult to stop working when they work from home. More remote working will cause more stress and affect people’s health. Remote working may be possible in developed countries but not in less developed countries because they cannot afford the technology. This is also true for some small businesses. Remote working will just reinforce inequality. And do not forget, there are some jobs that cannot be done at home!

Possible Answers

The following examples are found in Jago’s statement

• ´More remote working will cause more stress.
• ´More remote working will affect people’s health
• ´Remote working will just reinforce inequality.

Vested Interest

´A vested interest is a personal reason for an opinion or involvement in an undertaking or situation, especially an expectation of financial or other gain.

Study the source below and identify possible vested interest in the argument.

You are too negative, Jago. You are just looking backwards and forgetting about how cheap new digital technology is becoming. The quality of video conferencing is getting much better. Poor sound and technical problems are in the past. I work for a digital technology company selling cameras and microphones for computers. We sell this technology all over the world, including to developing countries. I know that more companies are now using this type of technology because our sales have gone up. Remote working benefits everyone. Saving money by not travelling to work means more income for the family. Saving money on offices increases profits for the company and taxes for the government. Everybody wins. Newspaper articles about home working during the virus pandemic show that remote working has become a normal part of working life in many different occupations. For example, doctors used cameras remotely to diagnose diseases.

Possible Answers

• ´Lucia works for a digital technology company and sells technological products so she is in favour of new technology .
• ´Lucia argues in favour of new technology because she can make money from selling these products.
• ´Lucia’s view of Jago’s perspective is based upon her job and employment in selling digital technology.