ENGLISH 10

Second Quarter
Week 3

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Formulate a statement of opinion or assertion.
I. 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.

II. MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY

Formulate a statement of opinion or assertion.

III. STRATEGY
A. EXPLORE
DIRECTIONS: Identify the term that best completes the meaning of each
sentence. Choose from the options provided inside the parentheses. Write
your answers in answer sheet.
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.

B. LEARN
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.
These two concepts often cause confusion among students because different
references view them in a number of different ways. Technically, an opinion is defined
as a view, judgment, or appraisal drawn from facts. It is usually a concept or
impression based on factual evidence. Opinions can change often and usually reflect
one person. For example, the sentence “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 on a
specific period as compared to the records of other countries.
An assertion, on the other hand, is a declaration or expression of strong belief
towards a particular topic, often without evidence. It usually includes forceful or
confident and positive statements regarding a belief or a fact. In contrast to an
opinion, an assertion, which is usually subjective, expresses vindication, mostly with
no support or evidences. For example, the sentence “The Philippines is the happiest
country in the world” is 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.
This form of assertion usually includes claims like those that say 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:
I believe… It could be said that… Must Cannot

In my opinion… I am sure that… Never Best

Without question… I feel that… Always/all Worst

In English, an assertion is usually formulated after activities like exploring

reading materials, such as stories or poems, or viewing a play. 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.
When one intends to write assertions in literature, it is imperative to, first and
foremost, fully understand the particular literary work where assertions will be based.
This way, the writer may be able to identify which parts he/she supports and which
parts he/she is against. A writer who is planning to come up with assertions may also
find collecting evidences from other writers a helpful thing.
In a larger context, assertion may be used in both formal and informal writing and is
usually categorized into various types. The most common types include the following:

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.

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.

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.

A deeper study of opinion and assertion, as well as closely related concepts, may
require spending a lot of time and research. For this lesson, it is important that you
learn how to distinguish the two concepts from a lot of information that you may
encounter. In this technological age where any information can be easily accessed any
time, it is essential to know which ones you should believe right away and which ones
you should research further. Likewise, as you explore more lessons that require you to
write using the English language, it is a must that you learn how to properly come up
with common expressions of your opinions or assertions.

C. ENGAGE
DIRECTIONS: Look for English newspapers you have at home. Choose any article
which you think contains examples of opinions and assertions. Cut your chosen
article out and paste it in your answer sheet. Then, using the template provided below,
sort out the examples of opinions and assertions that you have seen.

Title of the Article: __________________________________________

Opinions Assertions

*If you have a way to connect to the Internet, you may capture the needed article via
online news.

D. APPLY
DIRECTIONS: For this task, you will watch (or recall) a program on TV. If you have a
way to connect to the Internet, you may also watch through online news channels.
Then, look for a segment which you think presents opinions and assertions. In your
answer sheet, copy and use the table below to present your observations.
What was the program about?
Opinions cited: Assertions cited:

E. ASSESSMENT

DIRECTIONS: Identify each given item whether it is an opinion or assertion. Write O if

the statement is opinion and A if it is assertion.
1. By 1963, a young Baptist minister came to the nation’s attention during a boycott
against segregated city buses in Montgomery, Alabama.
2. Speech is to persuade, to change, to force you to do something.
3. Across the state, people are feeling the effects of the drought.
4. People believe that we are never getting rid of terrorism.
5. Those six hours on the boat were the worst moments in my life.
6. Most gamers do think that there’s plenty of room in the industry for both genders.
7. Women have served in our nation’s armed services since America’s founding.
8. Women believe they should be able to go and fight in battle just as men do.
9. Critics are concerned that physical standards will be lowered to make it easier for
women to compete with men for job.
10. Our country believes that it’s not a good idea to consume a lot of soda.