Which statement is an assertion?

The Earth revolves around the Sun.

I think summer is the best season.

Chocolate is the best flavor of ice cream.

Soccer is more exciting than basketball.

Which of the following is an opinion?

Bridges are built to connect two places.

The Earth is the third planet from the Sun.

Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius.

Which statement can be classified as an assertion?

The chemical formula for water is H2O.

Which statement is an example of an assertion?

The Great Wall of China is visible from space.

Chocolate ice cream is the best dessert.

Cats are more playful than dogs.

I think summer vacations are too short.

Which of the following statements is an opinion?

I think that reading books is more enjoyable than watching movies.

Plants require sunlight to grow.

Birds are warm-blooded animals.

Which statement is an assertion?

The speed of light is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second.

Math is a harder subject than science.

Chocolate is better than vanilla.

Assertion vs opinion

Opinion vs assertion

8.10.B Distinguish Factual Claims From Assertions & Opinions & Evaluate Inferences

7.10.B Distinguish Factual Claims For Assertions And Opinions

Everyday conversation and writing is characterized not only by factual statements, but also expressions of one’s personal views, judgment, beliefs and convictions. In other words, we often make statements or assertions of fact, opinion, belief and even prejudice. This is because we often process and interpret factual evidence based on our own values, feelings, tastes, and experiences. Fowler H. Ramsay (1986), as outlined in the Colorado State University website, described assertion as a term generally used to refer to statements of fact, opinion, belief and prejudice. These types or categories of assertion are quite different from one another. A fact is a verifiable statement. It can be proven objectively by verified observations or the results of research among others. Because statements of fact can be double-checked for accuracy, there is general agreement about the truth they posit. On the other hand, an opinion is a personal judgment based on facts; hence, it is debatable and potentially changeable. The third category is called belief, which is a conviction based on cultural or personal faith, morality or values. A statement of belief may look similar with an opinion, but they are not based on evidence; that is why they cannot be contested or argued in a rational or logical manner. Lastly, there is the rather vague category called commonplace assertion. This is a stereotype, an oversimplification or a prejudice, which is a half-baked opinion based on insufficient or unexamined evidence, but it presented as if it were a fact. It is often accepted from others (families, friends, media etc.), making it too common to be questioned about its truthfulness. These categories of assertion are so prevalent in social media today, and the distinction between one another is slowly becoming unclear because of how netizens present everything as facts. This is why every social media needs to be a critical and informed reader to be able to verify the truthfulness of the information he/she comes across. In one of the previous modules, you learned about the language of research, advocacies and campaigns. Opinions and assertions are very important in advocacies and campaigns; hence, it would be advantageous for a writer, or even a speaker, to clearly express their views on important matters.

Fact, Opinion and Commonplace Assertions

TEXTUAL EVIDENCE TO VALIDATE ASSERTIONS AND COUNTERCLAIMS

MODULE 6: REACTING TO ASSERTIONS

8 English Types of Assertions

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