C2 — MasteryReading· Critical reading
Reading: Interpreting Implicit Meaning
Detect attitude, bias and implication in texts that never state their position openly.
25 min Challenging
Sophisticated writing signals opinion through word choice, sentence rhythm and what is left out.
Consider this line from a review: "The restaurant, which has been much discussed online, serves food that is undeniably photogenic." Nothing negative is stated, yet much discussed online and photogenic imply that appearance outweighs taste.
- Hedges (arguably, apparently) create distance from a claim.
- Concessive openings (Of course, it is true that...) usually precede a rebuttal.
- Passive voice can hide who is responsible.
Ask of every paragraph: what would the writer say if forced to be blunt? That answer is the implied meaning.