Opinions
and
Commonplace Assertions
VS.
Facts
Opinion
• Based on a belief or feeling on what seems
true or probable
• An opinion or assertion is a judgment.
• Ex. Green is the best color for the room.
• A judgment or belief that may be supported
by factual evidence, but it cannot be proved.
Commonplace Assertion
• Example: “An apple a day keeps the doctor
away.” Or “Art lifts the human spirit.”
• A claim that a person makes but cannot
always prove.
• Be aware that some writers present opinions,
assertions, or beliefs as facts. To get the truth,
use resources to distinguish between them.
Word Clues for Recognizing Opinion
and Commonplace Assertions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
I believe
In my opinion
Without question
Always/All
Cannot
Must
Never
Best/Worst
These are broad statements that reveal a
personal judgment.
Facts
• Can be proved or disproved.
REMEMBER:
Factual Claim – statement that can be proven from
evidence such as fact, personal observation,
reliable source, or expert’s opinion
Opinion – a statement of personal belief, feeling or
thought. Does not require proof
Commonplace Assertion – a statement that many
people assume to be true but which is not
necessarily so.