Lesson 4:
Opinion or Assertion
Introduction
As individuals, we are entitled to our own views
about different things and events happening around
us. These views usually vary depending on how
much we know about these things and how they
may affect us.
This lesson deeply explores the differences between
an opinion and an assertion, as well as how and
why they are usually written. As you journey
through this lesson, you are expected to formulate
expressions of opinion and assertion.
When we read or view different materials, it is but a common
reaction to have something to say about what we have read or
watched.
These reactions usually focus either on the material as a whole or
on specific details that form part of the material.
Sometimes, it can also be about how we perceive, understand,
and value whatever we got from reading or viewing a given
material. The most common reactions we can have can be an
opinion or an assertion.
Opinion
a view, judgment, or appraisal drawn from facts
personal judgement/point view of a person about an
issue/topic
a concept or impression based on factual evidence
Opinions can change often and usually reflect one person
• Ex: “The Philippines is one of the best tourist destinations on
the planet”
• *may be considered an opinion which may be drawn
from facts and data showing the number of tourists coming
in and out of the country
Assertion
declaration or expression of strong belief towards a
particular topic, often without evidence
usually subjective, expresses vindication, mostly with no
support or evidences
right and forceful declaration of one’s desire or belief
• Ex: “The Philippines is the happiest country in the world”
• *an assertion because it is subjective and not founded on
factual evidences.
• Another example is what linguists call as commonplace assertions or
“stereotypes.” These are statements that sound true but are generally
based on common opinions.
Ex: Men are always stronger than women.
• In order to easily recognize opinion or commonplace assertion in writing,
one might observe the use of the following words and phrases that signal
or which are usually employed in making these kinds of judgment:
• Assertions are usually written in order for a writer to convey his or her
ideas or feelings towards a particular work of literature, and convince or
influence the readers to taking and agreeing with his/her ideas or views.
MOST COMMON TYPES OF
ASSERTION
a. Basic Assertion
is a type of assertion that directly expresses the writer’s
feelings and beliefs through simple statements. This type is
usually used in standing up for personal beliefs.
MOST COMMON TYPES OF
ASSERTION
• b. Empathic Assertion
involves expressing empathy and expounding on how
the writer understands the feelings and emotions of the
literary author. This type may be used in both formal and
informal writing.
MOST COMMON TYPES OF
ASSERTION
• c. I-Language Assertion
• expresses the feelings and preferences of the writer. This
type is called I-Language because the writer usually uses
the pronoun ‘I’ in asserting disagreement. This type is
often used in writing reviews, reaction or reflection papers.
Example:
• “When you speak harshly, I cannot work with you because I
feel annoyed. Therefore, I want you to speak nicely and then
assign me a task.”
1. An expression of strong belief towards a particular topic is
called a/an (fact / opinion / assertion).
2. It is best to formulate literary assertions (before / while /
after) reading a literary work.
3. A/An (fact / opinion / assertion) is any view or judgment
drawn from facts.
4. A type of literary assertion that directly expresses beliefs or
opinions about something is known as (basic / empathic / i-
Language) assertion.
5. A/An (fact / opinion / assertion) is written to convey the
writer’s ideas or feelings towards a certain work of literature.
6. English is considered the universal language.
7. Adobo is the best viand in the Philippines.
8. NCR is a progressive region in our country.
9. All dogs can be made into pets.
10. Afternoon is a better part of the day than
morning.
11. “I know you are feeling hopeless with the project, but cheer up!
There are still ways we can do to keep the contract.”
12. “I want you to look me in the eyes and tell me what I have done
wrong.”
13. “Mr. President, if I may speak... when you signed the petition for
these OFWs, I felt very proud and happy, but when you denied them
assistance, I felt annoyed and betrayed. I would like you to revisit the
petition and grant them the assistance they need. ”
14. “Excuse me, sir, we know you felt disappointed in how we oddly
behaved in class yesterday. We'd like to assure you that you still are
the best teacher there is. ”
15. I would like to visit a coffee shop today.
Opinion Assertion
Subjective viewpoint, judgement, something declared or stated
appraisal about a particular matter positively, often with no support or
attempt/ proof
involves one’s thoughts,
perceptions, judgement opinion declared emphatically,
forcefully, and directly
can be based on facts
To assert is to declare positively and
often forcefully or aggressively
Example: Example:
I believe jeepneys are inefficient. You should see your dentist yearly.
They contribute to heavy traffic in the The corrupt must be prosecuted and
city. jailed.
