It is important to distinguish between criticism and opinion.

Question

It is important to distinguish between criticism and opinion. The purpose of criticism is to direct a commentary on someone or something with the particular goal of change. A person who criticizes the behavior of another is specifically hoping to effect a modification. The purpose of opinion, on the other hand, is simply to offer a viewpoint that does not require a change. A person who shares an opinion is generally providing a perspective that is intended to help another in making a decision. As a result, criticism usually has a negative connotation, whereas opinion does not. More importantly, not everyone is necessarily entitled to criticism, but everyone should be entitled to opinion.

Considering the statements made in the passage above very carefully, which of the following may be inferred?

(A) Criticism that is worded as opinion can be both appropriate and effective, because it provides the pretense of opinion while still effecting a change.

(B) Criticism and opinion are often confused with one another, because some mistake a negative opinion for criticism.

(C) Opinion is simply the phase of thought before one reaches criticism, so there is often not a clear distinction between the two.

(D) Positive, or constructive, criticism is equivalent to opinion, so all are entitled to share constructive criticism.

(E) The freedom of speech and of thought guarantees that all are allowed opinions, so government cannot and should not restrict the sharing of opinions.

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Dereno · Answer

The passage provides an important overview about the importance to distinguish between criticism and opinions. Then comparison between criticism and opinion is made. While the former is a negative tone, the latter is more positive.

The crux of the question lies in the last few lines - More importantly, not everyone is necessarily entitled to criticism, but everyone should be entitled to opinion. This line mentions the importance of opinion, that opinion cannot be contained or restricted in any manner, whereas criticism should be restrictive in nature.

The ONLY option that aligns with this point is  Option E

(E) The freedom of speech and of thought guarantees that all are allowed opinions, so government cannot and should not restrict the sharing of opinions.

arkadutt · Answer

(B) Criticism and opinion are often confused with one another, because some mistake a negative opinion for criticism .

The passage emphasizes that criticism has a negative connotation and opinion does not.

It also suggests that the two are commonly misunderstood, since one involves intent to change, the other does not.

So, it's reasonable to infer that some people might confuse a negative opinion for criticism.

(B) is correct because the passage clearly explains that  criticism aims to cause change and usually has a negative connotation , while opinion is  simply a viewpoint without that intent . Since both can express disapproval, it’s reasonable to infer that people might confuse a negative opinion for criticism — especially if they don’t understand the difference in purpose. This inference is based directly on the distinctions made in the passage.

Bunuel · Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Overview:

Question presents a passage in which the student must consider the contrast between criticism and opinion. The passage begins by noting that a distinction must be made between criticism and opinion and then continues with an explanation of this distinction, concluding that criticism is not necessarily everyone’s right to have or share but that opinion cannot be denied. The question then asks for the answer choice that can be inferred from the passage. An inference from a passage, of course, is not an outright statement of the passage, but an inference does  rely  on direct statements; therefore, the correct answer choice will be derived from specific comments made in the passage.

The Correct Answer:

B Answer choice (B) makes the following statement: “Criticism and opinion are often confused with one another, because some mistake a negative opinion for criticism.” The passage begins by noting that criticism and opinion need to be distinguished from one another, implying immediately that the distinction is not always made. Thus, the first part of answer choice (B) can be inferred from the passage. Additionally, the passage notes that people who criticize others are “hoping to effect a modification” in behavior and that criticism generally has a negative connotation. Although the author of the passage notes that opinion does not always have a negative connotation, if the opinion is itself negative such a connotation may be derived. From this, the student can correctly assume that a negative opinion is often confused for criticism, thus explaining the confusion that was stated in the first sentence of the passage. Answer choice (B) is correct.

The Incorrect Answers:

A Although the passage begins with the implication that criticism and opinion are often confused with one another, there is no mention in the passage of  wording criticism as an opinion , nor can this inference be derived from any of the statements made in the passage. The author does note the difference between the  purpose  behind criticism versus opinion, but the author makes no recommendation about offering criticism in such a way that it would be welcome. Answer choice (A) has no support in the passage and is thus incorrect.

C Clearly, the passage implies that people make the mistake of confusing opinion with criticism, but the passage does not mention phases of thought at any point, nor does the passage indicate that opinion is connected to criticism because of these phases of thought. In fact, the author notes quite clearly that criticism and opinion need to be distinguished from one another, suggesting that they are not related and thus cannot be connected by phases of thought. Answer choice (C) is incorrect.

D The author makes no mention of  different kinds of criticism , instead discussing criticism as a whole rather than in separate forms. Answer choice (D) assumes information that is not in the passage, so it can be eliminated.

E Although the passage might very well go on to discuss the right to opinion as a component of freedom of speech, there is no such implication in the passage at this point, nor can such an idea be assumed merely from the information the passage provides. The author mentions only that “everyone should be entitled to  opinion ,” but within the context of the passage this relates more to the purpose behind opinion rather than to abstract freedoms. Answer choice (E) is incorrect.

It is important to distinguish between criticism and opinion.

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It is important to distinguish between criticism and opinion.

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