LESSON 10:

FORMULATING
ASSERTIONS AND
COUNTERCLAIMS
ASSERTIONS
A way to convince a critical reader to accept the
writer’s claim is to formulate assertions.
Assertions, as defined by Tiongson (2016), are
“declarative sentences that claim something is
true about something else.”
These sentences may either be statements of
truths or opinions.
ASSERTIONS
There are four common types of assertion
enumerated by Tiongson. These are the
following:
1. Fact – a claim or statement which can
produce objective proof/evidence through direct
experience, testimonies of witnesses, verified
observations or results of research.
ASSERTIONS
There are four common types of assertion
enumerated by Tiongson. These are the
following:
1. Fact – Since this type of assertion can be
easily checked through consulting various
sources, people usually agree on the truth it
provides.
ASSERTIONS
There are four common types of assertion
enumerated by Tiongson. These are the
following:
2. Convention – this is referred to as “a way in
which something is done, similar to traditions or
norms.” These assertions solely rely on existing
laws, rules, usage, customs and historical
precedent available.
ASSERTIONS
There are four common types of assertion
enumerated by Tiongson. These are the
following:
2. Convention – Unlike facts, there are differing
interpretations on varying beliefs, thus verifying
the truth convention assertions can be crucial.
Often, these statements are said to sound
“factual” primarily because the truth of it depends
on what is socially accepted.
ASSERTIONS
There are four common types of assertion
enumerated by Tiongson. These are the
following:
3. Opinion – statements such as the one are
based on facts. While facts can be proven to be
objective, opinions are hard to prove as this
would have to rely on reliable and sound proofs.
Tiongson said, “The more ambiguous an opinion
is, the more difficult it is to verify.”
ASSERTIONS
There are four common types of assertion
enumerated by Tiongson. These are the
following:
3. Opinion – These statements commonly leave
room for discussion and disputes.
ASSERTIONS
There are four common types of assertion
enumerated by Tiongson. These are the
following:
4. Preference – while opinion is based on facts,
preference relies on personal choice. These are
completely subjective assertions that cannot be
objectively proven.
ASSERTIONS
In writing believable assertions, you must need to
take note of the following tips:
- Be knowledgeable. Instinct alone does not yield
effective evidence and support the claim. In order
to make the reader believe in what you’re trying
to stand up, for examine the topic thoroughly.
Explore both sides of the topic, research as
much information as you can.
ASSERTIONS
In writing believable assertions, you must need to
take note of the following tips:
- Back it all up. To make your assertion stable
and solid, it must have strong foundations in the
form of research findings. Be careful and leave
out any irrelevant evidence referenced in the text
to avoid confusion for the readers.
ASSERTIONS
In writing believable assertions, you must need to
take note of the following tips:
- Be clear and concise. Get straight to the facts.
Let them know what you want them to know and
present them complete with supporting details to
your claim/s.
COUNTERCLAIMS
A critical reader does not only focus on claim
after claim of a written text. Analyzing an
argument must also involve the understanding of
the evidence presented by the writer as well as
its counterclaims.
COUNTERCLAIMS
Counterclaims, as defined by Tiongson (2016),
are “claims made to rebut a previous claim.” This
point of view is in contrast to previous claims
made by the author.
COUNTERCLAIMS
According to the same writer, it takes familiarity
of the topic being discussed in the text as one of
the ways to spot the counterclaims of the writer.
In order to present objectivity, the writer must be
aware of the counterclaims to his/her claims.
Considering the other side of the argument may
help you identify the weaknesses and strengths
of your claim, giving you the leeway to open
more details to make the reader believe.
COUNTERCLAIMS
The counterclaims in the text are usually
presented in a straightforward way. After spotting
these statements you as a reader or writer, can
clearly define your position in a particular topic.
COUNTERCLAIMS
Tiongson gave the following questions that can
help one formulate a counterclaim:
- What are the major points on which you and the
author can disagree?
- What is their strongest argument? What did
they say to defend their position?
- What are the merits of their views?
COUNTERCLAIMS
Tiongson gave the following questions that can
help one formulate a counterclaim:
- What are the weaknesses or shortcomings in
their argument?
- Are there any hidden assumptions?
- Which lines form the text best support the
counterclaim you have formulated?