CLB 8 Challenge: Opinions as Cloze Answers
At CLB 8, Part 6 blanks test whether you can distinguish:
- Facts: "The policy will cost $2 million" → objectively stated - Opinions: "The policy is too expensive" → subjective judgment - Attributed opinions: "The union says the policy is too expensive" → someone's view
A blank asking for WHO said something tests attribution. A blank asking for WHAT they said tests opinion tracking. Mixing these up costs marks.
You need 5–6 out of 6.
Viewpoint Attribution Precision
Part 6 typically presents 2–3 viewpoints. Track them:
1. Identify the groups: Supporters, opponents, experts, government, industry 2. Note each group's position in 2–3 words 3. Match attributions carefully during cloze
Example: - Audio: "Environmental groups praised the decision while industry leaders expressed concern" - Summary: "_______ welcomed the new regulation" - Answer: "Environmental groups" (not industry leaders)
The trap: The audio mentions BOTH groups in the same sentence. If you weren't tracking attribution carefully, you might pick the wrong one.
Connector Words in Viewpoint Cloze
Some Part 6 blanks test connector words between viewpoints:
- "Supporters praise the policy. _______, opponents argue it's too costly" - Options: "However" / "Furthermore" / "Therefore" / "Similarly"
The answer depends on the logical relationship between the two viewpoints: - Contrasting views: However, On the other hand, Nevertheless - Supporting/adding: Furthermore, In addition, Also - Cause/result: Therefore, As a result, Consequently
At CLB 8: Read both sentences around the blank and determine: are these views AGREEING or DISAGREEING? That tells you what type of connector fits.
Review Strategy
With 180 seconds for review:
1. Read the completed summary as one coherent piece (30 seconds) 2. Check: Does each viewpoint make sense? Is it correctly attributed? 3. Check: Do connectors create the right logic? Contrasts where views disagree, additions where they agree 4. Flag anything that sounds unnatural and re-evaluate
At CLB 8, Part 6 is your final test of precision. Use every second of review time — there's nothing after this to save time for.