Express an Opinion and Assertion

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.

Acquittal (n): a person is not guilty of the crime with which the person has been charged Analogy (n): a comparison between two things Antiquity (n): the ancient past Assert (v): state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully Condescend (v): show feelings of superiority; be patronizing Electorate (n): all the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election Ethical (adj): relating to moral principles Elite (n): a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities Evolve (v): develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form Excerpt (n): a short extract from a film, broadcast, music, or writing Heresy (n): belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious Fortitude (n): courage in pain or adversity Inarticulate (adj): unable to speak distinctly or express oneself clearly Paternal (adj): of or appropriate to a father Pauper (n): a very poor person Mentor (n/v): a trusted adviser, to advise or train Posthumous (adj): occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator Notoriety (n): the state of being famous or well-known for some bad quality or deed Prophetic (adj): accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future

Express an amount of fifths as a mixed number and an improper fraction.

Express an amount of quarters as a mixed number and an improper fraction.

Design an artwork to express beliefs

Express a quantity as a mixed number and an improper fraction

B2 "TO EXPRESS A DIFFICULTY THAT DOES NOT PREVENT YOU TO MAKE AN ACHIEVEMENT"

C1 "TO SAY WHEN AN ACTION HAS STARTED AND FINISHED AND TO EXPRESS ITS DURATION"

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