Welcome to Reading Skills: Ideas, Opinions, and Attitudes!

When we read a text, we usually start by looking for facts—things like dates, names, or places. But to really master Criterion B (Reading), you need to go deeper. You need to figure out what the writer thinks and feels, and then decide what you think about it. This chapter will help you move from simply "reading the words" to "understanding the message."

Note: This chapter focuses on how we engage with a writer's perspective. For help with finding specific facts, check out the chapter on "Identifying facts, main ideas and supporting details."


1. What are Ideas, Opinions, and Attitudes?

To understand a text fully, we have to distinguish between different types of information. Writers often mix these together!

Ideas

These are the main thoughts or concepts the writer wants to share. They are the "big topics."
Example: "Protecting the environment is the responsibility of every citizen."

Opinions

An opinion is a belief or a view about something. It isn't necessarily a "fact" that can be proven; it is what the writer believes to be true.
Example: "The new community park is the most beautiful place in the city."

Attitudes

Attitude is the feeling or tone the writer has toward the subject. Is the writer angry? Hopeful? Worried? Sarcastic? You can often find the attitude by looking at the word choice (adjectives and adverbs).
Example: "Sadly, many people still ignore the recycling bins." (The word "sadly" shows a disappointed attitude).

Quick Tip: The "Clue Word" Hunt

Look for words that show feelings rather than just facts. Words like wonderful, terrible, should, must, fortunately, or unfair are huge clues that you are reading an opinion or an attitude!


2. Personal Response: Connecting to "Me"

In Phases 1 through 4 (Emergent and Capable levels), you are often asked to give a personal response. This means connecting the text to your own life and feelings.

To give a great personal response, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I agree or disagree with the writer? Why?
  • Has something like this ever happened to me?
  • How does this text make me feel (happy, sad, inspired)?

Example Sentence Starters for Personal Response:
- "In my experience, I have found that..."
- "I agree with the writer's opinion because..."
- "This text reminds me of a time when I..."


3. Global Response: Connecting to "The World"

As you move into Phase 5 and 6 (Proficient level), the IB asks you to look beyond yourself. You need to provide a global perspective. This means thinking about how the ideas in the text affect different people, cultures, or the planet.

To think globally, use the MYP Global Contexts as a guide:

  • Identities and relationships: How does this affect how people see themselves?
  • Globalization and sustainability: How does this impact the environment or the global economy?
  • Fairness and development: Is this situation equal for everyone? Who is being helped or hurt?

Example Sentence Starters for Global Response:
- "From a global perspective, this issue is significant because..."
- "This attitude might be different in other cultures where..."
- "The long-term impact of this idea on society could be..."


4. The "Depth Ladder": How You Are Assessed

In Criterion B, your teacher is looking for how well you can "engage" with the text. Here is how that skill grows as you move through the phases:

Phase 1-2 (Emergent): You can identify basic ideas and opinions. You can say if you like the text or not.
Phase 3-4 (Capable): You can identify ideas and opinions clearly and respond by linking them to your own personal experiences.
Phase 5-6 (Proficient): You can analyse the ideas and attitudes. You don't just say what they are; you explain why the writer holds them and respond from a global perspective.

Did you know?

Since MYP texts are multimodal, opinions aren't just in the words! A bright, colorful photo might show a positive attitude, while a dark, blurry photo might show a mysterious or negative attitude. Always look at the images too!


5. Summary and Key Takeaways

Don't worry if it seems tricky to separate facts from opinions at first. Just remember these three steps when reading for Criterion B:

1. Find the feeling: Look for "emotion" words to spot the writer's attitude.
2. Make it personal: For lower phases, explain how the text relates to your own life.
3. Think big: For higher phases, explain how the text relates to the wider world and global issues.

Key Term Review:

  • Idea: A thought or concept.
  • Opinion: A personal belief.
  • Attitude: The feeling or tone expressed by the writer.
  • Global Perspective: Looking at an issue through the lens of the world, not just yourself.

Ready for more? If you want to see how these ideas are built into different types of writing, head over to the chapter on "Conventions: format, style and author's purpose."