What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Contemporary texts respond to real-world issues and often take a position

Readers must distinguish between fact and opinion when reading about current issues

Multiple texts on the same issue offer different perspectives and evidence

A reader's own context and values influence their response to texts about contemporary issues

Key Vocabulary

Contemporary

Belonging to the present time; relating to current events and issues

Opinion

A belief or judgment not based on proof; a personal viewpoint

Fact

Information that can be verified and proven to be true

Perspective

A particular way of viewing an issue, shaped by experience, values, and context

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which statement about a contemporary text is a fact rather than an opinion?

Climate change is the most important issue facing Australia. Young people care more about the environment than older generations. The government should do more about the environment. Australia recorded its hottest average temperature in 2023.

Question 2

Reading multiple texts on the same contemporary issue helps you:

Understand different perspectives and develop a more informed view Find the one correct answer Identify which author is most famous Choose which opinion is right

Question 3

When a text discusses a contemporary issue, it is important to consider:

Only the facts presented The author's purpose, perspective, and what information may have been omitted Whether the text uses correct grammar How many pages the text is

Contemporary Issues in Texts