Lesson 4: Expressing One’s Beliefs and Convictions Based on Materials Viewed

Belief vs Conviction
A belief
- is something that is considered correct and true. For example, a person can believe in
various things such as cultural or personal faith, morality, or values.
- It expresses viewpoints, but it is not based on facts or other evidences.
- A belief is also an opinion, which is why it cannot serve as the basis for a formal argument.
- Beliefs are very personal ideas and cannot be rejected because they express an opinion.
Also, these beliefs are not mandatory to change completely with new experiences.

A conviction
- is a bit different to a belief. A conviction is something that an individual is convinced of. To
be convinced, you need to obtain all the related information. Based on the information that the
conviction is built, a belief changes with time and new experiences, yet, a conviction remains
the same.
- However, conviction is more complex than belief as it becomes a point of view of the world.

Basic Signal Phrases in Expressing Beliefs or Convictions

 I believe…
 In my opinion…
 I think…
 I feel…
 In my personal view…
 From my point of view…

Examples:

1. I believe that we can be early when invited to eat.

2. In my opinion, Filipinos have the fork and spoon as typical utensils.
3. I think the gender of the guest will be revealed by the dropping of the utensils.
4. I feel that I cannot refuse any packed meal.
5. In my personal view, burping is acceptable.
6. From my point of view, “hostess” sounds vulgar to Filipinos because of its other meaning.

Difference Between Belief and Conviction

Belief Conviction
Can be defined as a feeling that something exists
Can be defined as a firm belief
or is true

Can change over time Mostly remain without changing over time

Based on personal opinions Requires concrete information

Can be weak and shallow Stronger and deeper

Assignment:
English Notebook

Write at least 5 example sentences that is showing a belief and 5 example sentences for
conviction.