Factfulness: A Clear-Eyed Look at the World by Hans Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund, and Ola Rosling
Factfulness is a book that challenges the common misconceptions people have about the world.
About the Book
Title: Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
Author: Hans Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund, and Ola Rosling
Genre: Society, Psychology, Education
Year of Publication: 2018
Pages: 352
Summary: What the Book Is About
The authors, Hans Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund, and Ola Rosling, present a compelling case for why we often see the world as worse than it really is. They argue that much of our thinking is shaped by outdated and biased perspectives, and that by understanding data and trends better, we can see how much the world has improved in areas such as health, poverty, and education. The book is filled with statistics and facts that challenge the negative narratives often presented in the media.
“The world is not as bad as we think it is. But it’s much worse than we thought it was going to be.” — Hans Rosling
English Level
Factfulness is an excellent book for readers who have an intermediate to advanced level of English. While the book tackles complex topics, the language used is clear and accessible, making it suitable for learners at levels B2 and above.
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CEFR Level: B2, C1, C2
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Recommended for Learners Preparing for IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 80+
For learners at the B2 level, Factfulness will help improve reading comprehension, build vocabulary related to global issues, and increase understanding of academic writing. Advanced learners (C1 and C2) will benefit from the book’s depth and the complexity of the ideas presented.
Why This Book Helps English Learners
Factfulness is an excellent resource for developing several key English language skills:
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Reading: The book’s clear structure and engaging content will help improve reading comprehension, especially in understanding statistics and data-driven arguments.
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Vocabulary: Readers will learn specialized vocabulary related to global health, economics, and social issues, which will be useful in discussions about current events.
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Grammar in Context: The book presents language structures in context, helping learners understand the grammar used in informational and persuasive writing.
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Idioms and Expressions: As you read, you’ll encounter idiomatic expressions and terms that will broaden your English language skills.
Unique Words in Factfulness:
The book contains a wide range of specialized terms and expressions. For example:
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“Globalization”
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“Poverty alleviation”
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“Income disparity”
User Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This book completely changed how I see the world. It’s filled with facts that make you rethink everything.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An insightful read that challenges common misconceptions. The way the authors present the data is both informative and compelling.”
Average Rating: 4.8 / 5
Did You Know?
Here are three interesting facts about Factfulness:
- Hans Rosling’s Vision: The book was inspired by Hans Rosling’s decades-long work as a public health expert. He dedicated much of his career to using data to improve global health.
- Data Over Stories: The book challenges the widespread reliance on stories and anecdotes in media. Instead, it emphasizes the power of data to understand the world.
- The Gap Between Perception and Reality: Factfulness shows how our perceptions of the world are often shaped by outdated information and biases, leading to a “gap” between reality and what we think we know.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
If you enjoyed Factfulness, you may also like the following books:
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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari – A thought-provoking look at the history of humanity.
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The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker – Explores the decline of violence in human history and its causes.
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The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt – Examines the psychology behind political division and moral reasoning.
These books, like Factfulness, provide a perspective on human progress and society, challenging preconceived notions about the world.
❓ FAQ
What is the main idea of Factfulness?
The main idea of Factfulness is that the world is much better than we think it is, but our perceptions are often shaped by outdated or biased information. The book uses data to highlight global progress in health, poverty, and education.
Who are the authors of Factfulness?
Factfulness was written by Hans Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund, and Ola Rosling. Hans Rosling was a Swedish physician, academic, and public speaker known for his work in global health.
Is Factfulness suitable for English learners?
Yes, Factfulness is a great book for learners at the B2 to C2 level. It uses clear and accessible language while providing complex ideas, making it a valuable resource for expanding English vocabulary and comprehension skills.
How many pages is Factfulness?
The book has approximately 352 pages, making it a medium-length read. Its engaging style makes it accessible even for those reading it in a second language.
What are some key concepts in Factfulness?
Key concepts in the book include “The Gap Instinct” (the difference between perception and reality), “The Straight Line Instinct” (overestimating trends), and “The Fear Instinct” (how fear can distort our views of the world).
