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Judging Validity| F-1
COMPREHENSION SKILLS PRACTICE
A
valid statement is one that you know to be true, or that can be proved. You can prove that it is true
by checking in books, looking on the Internet, or by asking someone who is an expert on the subject.
For example, some people might doubt the following statement: The first space traveler was a dog. You
can judge the statement to be valid when you look on the Internet or in an encyclopedia and read the
following:
The world’s first space traveler was a dog named Laika, sent up in a satellite in 1957 by
Russian scientists.
Sometimes you want to check the validity of something you read because you feel the author has not
given you enough facts to back up his or her statement. Read the following paragraph:
Aspirin is a simple substance, like sugar or salt, rather than a compound of several
substances. In raw form, it can be found in many of the barks, roots, and herbs used to
cure sickness in the days before modern medicine.
You may want some more information in order to determine the validity of the author’s claim. You want to
know what plants supply aspirin and what people used them. You judge the statement to be valid when
you find the following information in a reliable source:
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), is an odorless powder with a bitter taste. We make it from
coal tar and use it to relieve pain and reduce fever. This acid is found in the willow tree.
Its leaves and bark were used as medicine in ancient Rome, by certain African tribes,
and by the Native Americans of North America.
Judging validity is not always easy. Sometimes, different books will contain conflicting information on a
particular subject, making it difficult for you to tell what is valid and what is not. The information below
is taken from different stories about Socrates. Read both excerpts to determine the validity of this
statement: The people at Socrates’ trial seemed sympathetic toward the philosopher.
Source 1
The crowd quieted down, and Socrates
stood up to face the unkind eyes of his
judges. People began to laugh and make
hostile remarks. Perhaps they were
nervous, or perhaps they were just being
mean.
One of the jurors spoke. “Socrates, you
have been found guilty as charged.”
Source 2
When it was time for the judges to
announce their decision, Socrates
stepped forward. A hush fell over the
tearful crowd. Somehow they sensed the
outcome. They knew now that there was
no way to give Socrates back his freedom,
his life. This man they so admired would
die for his crime.
As you can see, one source indicates that the people at Socrates’ trial were sympathetic toward him
and the other indicates the opposite. Therefore it is impossible to judge the validity of the statement by
reading only these two sources. You would have to find a third and perhaps even a fourth account of this
same event in order to reach a decision.
Copyright © 2007 Taylor Associates/Communications, Inc.
Judging Validity| F-1
ReadingPlus
Taylor Associates
®
COMPREHENSION SKILLS PRACTICE
Student Name_______________________________________________________________
1. Which of the following statements are made with validity? Circle the answers.
a. “It says right here in the encyclopedia that Irish Setters are good hunting dogs.”
b. “It is so snowing! Here’s a snowflake on my glove!”
c. “Dr. Brown said these spots are chicken pox.”
d. “Mary would look better with short hair.”
e. “I did my homework, but on my way to school a big dog grabbed it and ate it.
f. “The weather station said that this is the hottest summer on record.”
2. On television, you see a movie about a Civil War battle. To judge the validity of the facts in the story,
which of the following could you do? Circle the answers.
a. pay close attention to the movie
b. ask a history teacher about the battle
c. look in a history book about the Civil War
3. Read the excerpts from the two sources below and answer the question that follows.
Source 1
Under the Jones Act of 1917, Puerto Ricans were
made citizens of the United States and could elect
their own legislature.
The Jones Act also allowed Puerto Ricans to vote
for the President of the United States if they lived
on the U. S. mainland.
Unfortunately, Luis Munoz-Rivera died one year
before the law went into operation. To this day,
his people honor him with gratitude, calling him
the George Washington of Puerto Rico. Every
year his birthday is the occasion of a joyful
celebration on the island, just as the Fourth of
July is celebrated on the U. S. mainland.
Source 2
Luis Munoz-Rivera is well remembered by his
Puerto Rican countrymen. Every year, great
celebrations are held in honor of that island’s
famous leader, and for good reason. It was
because of Munoz-Rivera that the Jones Act of
1918 was passed. Even through Munoz-Rivera
died just after the law went into operation, his
people have never forgotten what he did for them.
It was under the Jones Act that Puerto Ricans
were made citizens of the United States and given
the right to elect their own legislature. According
to the Jones Act, all Puerto Ricans would be
allowed to vote for the President of the United
States.
After reading both sources, which of the following statements can you judge valid?
answers.
a. Luis Munoz-Rivera is a famous and much respected Puerto Rican.
b. Puerto Ricans were made citizens of the United States under the Jones Act.
c. The Jones Act was passed in 1917.
d. Every Puerto Rican has the right to vote for the President of the United States.
e. Luis Munoz-Rivera died one year before the Jones Act went into operation.
f. Luis Munoz-Rivera is honored in an annual celebration.
Copyright © 2007 Taylor Associates/Communications, Inc.
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