READING AND WRITING SKILLS

RWS11.2. Text and Context Connections (Critical Reading)

Lesson 5-6: Critical Reading as Looking for Ways of Thinking
Explicit and Implicit Claims in a Text

Learning Competency
The learner explains critical reading as looking for ways of thinking (EN11/12RWS-IIIij-5)
and identifies claims explicitly or implicitly made in a written text (EN11/12RWS-IIIij-6).
a. Claim of fact (EN11/12RWS-IIIij-6.1)
b. Claim of policy (EN11/12RWS-IIIij-6.2)
c. Claim of value (EN11/12RWS-IIIij-6.3)
Specifically,
 Distinguish claim in a text/passage
 Determine the types of claims presented in a text
 Formulate claims in an essay written
Critical reading enables you to distinguish the explicit and implicit information provided
by the author. Explicit information is any idea that is stated. With explicit information,
you see the text explained. There is no need to look for clues. Implicit information, on
the other hand is understood but it is not stated. To find implicit information in what is
read, you will have to think what you read. This is where the ability to make inferences
based on clues within the text is applied.
Being a critical reader, it does not mean that you doubt about a certain idea and
disregard all its claims whether drawn explicitly or implicitly as false.
Using the critical perception, a reader must be able to analytically point out claims that
are presented in the text. Claims are statement through which an author conveys or
defends an idea.

Reading Process

identifies and responds by

understands evaluates supporting developing
arguments and ideas claims independent
presented in text conclusions or
counterarguments
One of the advantages of reading is gaining deeper understanding of a text and this
involves critical thinking. Being critical, therefore means advancing your understanding
and not just be satisfied with what a text says. It also involves reflecting on what the text
states and determines the claims made by the author.
Claims are synonymous to belief, argument, assertion, or stand. According to
(Tiongson 2016, 20-21), a good claim should be argumentative and debatable, specific
and focused, interesting and engaging, and logical.
These information can be explicit or implicit.
 An explicit claim is directly and clearly stated in the text. It is when you can
easily point out the information in the passage.
 An implicit claim is indirectly expressed in the text and you need to look for
clues or make inferences to understand its meaning.
Here are the three types of claims:
1. Claim of Fact
It is a statement that present an ideas as true of false. It is something that has
existed (past), exists (presented) or will exist (future) which could also be verified
using actual evidence.

Example:
 Tuberculosis was the oldest disease of mankind.
 The coronavirus disease had started in Wuhan, China.
 The number of online learner has risen due to the pandemic experienced
in the country.

2. Claim of Value
It is a statement that present ideas as good or bad, right or wrong, better or
worse. These claims are often influenced by morals, beliefs, and preferences.

Example:
 Traditional onsite learning is more effective than online learning.
 Hoarding of grocery items is not helpful to the community.
 Wearing of mask and social distancing is an ideal form defense against
viral diseases.

3. Claim of Policy
It is a statement present ideas as solutions to problems, usually involving groups,
organization or society in general. It is a statement that contains what should or
should not be done. The key word is the verb “should”, “ought”, and “must”.

Examples:
  Violators of the community quarantine should be subjected to manual
labor rather than imprisonment.
 We should all have access to government assistance at all times.
 Children below 18 years old should not be allowed to go out during the
night.

From: Reading and Writing Skills – Grade 11 Self-Learning Module (SLM) Quarter 3 –
Module 3: Types of Claims First Edition, 2020
References:
 Ramones, V. (2018). Claims of Fact, Value and Policy. [PowerPoint Slides].
Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/VanessaRamones/claims-of-fact-
value-and-policy
 Querubin, J. (2012). The 3 Claims. [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from
https://www.slideshare.net/jazq1425/the-3-claims-12751825