Final answer:
The statement that information and ideas refer to different things is true. While information is based on verifiable facts, ideas are hypotheses or suggestions that require further evidence to be considered true.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the text, information and ideas do refer to different things. The statement can be considered true based on the context provided. Information often refers to data or facts that can be validated and verified. Ideas, on the other hand, are more abstract and can be considered as hypotheses, suggestions, or beliefs that may go beyond what can be empirically verified. For instance, the statement 'fire causes burns' is based on verifiable observations and can be classified as information. Conversely, a hypothesis is closer in meaning to a suggestion than it is to a verified fact, indicating that it is an idea that needs testing.
It is crucial to differentiate between factual information and ideas or opinions, especially when analyzing texts or formulating arguments. The strongest arguments are built upon verifiable facts and reasonably drawn inferences, as opposed to opinions that are not substantiated by evidence. In the context of academic work, recognizing the type of claims being made, whether they are informative or propositional, helps in critical reading and writing and in developing a clear understanding of the subject matter.