⚠️

Module 7 - Simplification and myths in information

When simple answers are not enough

Introduction

In the previous module, you learned how to verify information. Now we will look at another problem. Some statements or pieces of information sound simple and clear. But the reality is often more complex. We call such statements simplifications or myths.

What is a simplification?

A simplification is a statement or piece of information that:

  • describes a complex issue too simply,
  • does not show the whole picture or problem,
  • omits important information.

Example:
"All young people spend too much time on their phones."
This is a very simple sentence. But is it really true for all young people?

What is a myth?

A myth is a statement that:

  • is often repeated,
  • sounds like a certain truth,
  • but is not supported by evidence, or is in fact untrue.

Myths often arise from simplification, incomplete information or even error, or from repeating the same claim.

Example:
"The media always lie."
Is this a statement about all media? Is there evidence to support this?

Warning words

Pay attention to words such as:

  • "all"
  • "nobody"
  • "always"
  • "never"
  • "everything"
  • "only"

Such words often signal exaggeration.

How to work with numbers in text

Numbers can be persuasive. When a text contains numbers, it can appear credible. But numbers can also be used in a misleading way.

Percentages and actual numbers

Example: "The number increased by 100% in one year."

But from how many cases? How many cases are we talking about?

Imagine that if the number increased from 1 to 2, that would be a 100% increase. In reality, however, only one new number was added. That is why it is important to ask: From how many?

Incomplete statistics

"90% of people agree."

How many people were surveyed? Which people were surveyed? When was the survey conducted? Who commissioned it?

Without this information, we cannot properly assess the number.

Even graphs can be misleading

Sometimes a graph can:

  • start at 90 instead of 0
  • thus creating the impression of dramatic growth.

That is why it is good to look carefully.

📌 Summary

  • There are rarely simple answers to complex issues.
  • Words like "everyone" or "never" can be a warning sign.
  • It is good to ask: "Is it really always like this?"
  • When you read numbers, ask: From how many? In what period? Who collected the data?

Practical exercises

✍️ Practical exercise 1: Identify the sentences that are oversimplified:

Select the oversimplified sentences:

👀 Show solution
  • ✅ Every young person spends too much time on the internet.
  • ❌ None of the ordinary deaf citizens can be interested in European Union politics.
  • ❌ Some people have difficulty understanding the complex rules of the European Union.

✍️ Practical exercise 2: Identify the sentences that are more cautious:

Select the more cautious sentences:

👀 Show solution
  • ✅ Some of the rules that apply in the European Union are not entirely ideal and we should give them further thought.
  • ❌ The European Union always does everything for the good of all people in the world.
  • ✅ For young deaf people, some content available on the internet can be misleading.

✍️ Practical exercise 3: Mark the sentences that contain exaggeration:

Select the sentences with exaggeration:

👀 Show solution
  • ❌ Free movement within the European Union has certain disadvantages.
  • ✅ Deaf students will never be smart enough unless they are given complete freedom at school.
  • ✅ All the poor countries of Central and Southern Europe should leave the European Union, because they never contribute enough to the common budget.

✍️ Practical exercise 4: Select the word in the following sentence that serves as a warning:

"The European Union bans everything."

Which word is the warning word?

👀 Show solution
  • ❌ "European Union"
  • ❌ "bans"
  • ✅ "everything"

✍️ Practical exercise 5: Identify the sentences that are oversimplifications or myths:

Select the oversimplifications or myths:

👀 Show solution
  • ✅ Every student cheats.
  • ❌ Some students cheated in the test.
  • ✅ Crime is rising dramatically.
  • ✅ All politicians only think of themselves.
  • ❌ In the tourist areas of the city, there is a higher risk of crime.

✍️ Practical exercise 6: Mark the sentences where more information is needed to verify them:

Select the sentences that need more information to verify:

👀 Show solution
  • ✅ Every student cheats.
  • ❌ Some students cheated in the test.
  • ✅ Crime is rising dramatically.
  • ✅ All politicians only think of themselves.
  • ❌ There is an increased risk of crime in the tourist areas of the city.

✍️ Practical exercise 7: Check these myths online

You're bound to recognise some of the statements below. Try checking their accuracy online and find out whether they're true or just myths:

  1. Spinach contains a huge amount of iron.
  2. Bulls are irritated by the colour red.
  3. Napoleon Bonaparte was very short.
  4. Sign language is a primitive language.
  5. Humans use only 10% of their brain's capacity.
  6. Vikings wore helmets with horns.
  7. Reading in dim light damages your eyesight.
  8. AI will put everyone out of work.

💡 Conclusion from practical exercises

The fact that a sentence is simplified does not mean that it is always untrue. It means that more is needed: more information, specific examples, more precise wording.

When you read a sentence that contains a strong message:

  • Ask yourself if it is too general.
  • Look for specific information.
  • Be careful with words like "everyone" or "never".

Critical thinking means seeking accuracy.

Naposledy změněno: středa, 13. května 2026, 14.50