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Evaluating competing interpretations

Understand each item before testing yourself. Choose honestly whether it already feels familiar or needs practice.

1 of 5Expression

One reading is that…; another is that…

Place plausible interpretations side by side.

Example

One reading is that the director’s silence signalled consent; another is that she was withholding judgement until the figures arrived.

Compare sophisticated interpretations against wording, context, and explanatory power before reaching a proportionate judgement.

One reading is that…; another is that…
Expression
Place plausible interpretations side by side.
One reading is that the director’s silence signalled consent; another is that she was withholding judgement until the figures arrived.
That interpretation fits…, but…
Expression
Acknowledge one strength before testing a limitation.
That interpretation fits…, but…
It better accounts for…
Expression
Prefer a reading for its explanatory reach.
It better accounts for…
The two are not entirely incompatible.
Expression
Show that interpretations may apply at different levels.
The two are not entirely incompatible.
That conclusion holds provided we distinguish… from…
Expression
Accept a judgement with a necessary distinction.
That conclusion holds provided we distinguish… from…