Reacting to Assertions

and Expressions in the

Text
After going through this module, you are expected
to react to what is asserted or expressed in the text
(EN7RC-III-i2.1.7:). Specifically, you should be able
to:

1. Define what assertion is

2. Differentiate the types of assertion
3. Formulate assertions
4. Discover literature as a tool to assert one’s
unique identity and to better understand other
people
An assertion is a statement used to
make a declaration or to express
strong belief on a particular topic,
often without evidence. An
assertion can be formulated after
reading a story or a poem, and
even after watching a play.
When someone makes a statement investing
his strong belief in it, as if it is true, though it
may not be, he is making an assertion.
Assertion is a stylistic approach or technique
involving a strong declaration, a forceful or
confident and positive statement regarding a
belief or a fact. Often, it is without proof or any
support. Its purpose is to express ideas or
feelings directly, for instance, “I have put my
every effort to complete this task today.”
The Purpose of Writing an
Assertion
It is for the writer to convey directly
an idea or feeling and to convince
the reader to accept the writer’s
interpretation of a particular literary
work.
Different TYPES of
ASSERTION can be
used in formal or
informal writing.
 How to Effectively
Compose an
Assertion Paragraph
by Julia Wald
1. The first sentence of your paragraph is
called assertion.
ASSERTION=TOPIC SENTENCE
This sentence introduces the main idea
for the entire paragraph. It also answers
the question asked in the prompt. This is
your viewpoint in regards to the prompt.
Make sure you avoid first person: “I think”
or “I believe.”
Example: What city is the
best city in the world and
why? Assertion: New York
City is the best city in the
world because of the
diversity it provides.
2. Explain and defend your assertion. This
means, providing context. Context is:
A. Lead in/background information
B. Explanation of the topic you are
discussing that will lead into your evidence

Context: There are people of all different

races, ethnicities and languages in the Big
Apple.
3. Include evidence. This is the part where
you, the author, show the reader/prove to
the reader what you are saying is true. You
need to include a direct quote to support 13
your idea. Make sure the evidence you are
including supports your assertion/topic
sentence. Make sure it is embedded
integrated smoothly) into the text of the
paper. Don’t forget to properly cite your
evidence.
Evidence: According to
ethNYcity.com, Queens, a
borough of New York City, is
the “most ethnically diverse
county in the US.”
4. Unpack your evidence by
providing commentary.
Commentary is your comment,
response or explanation of how the
evidence proves the assertion.
Makes the connection between
evidence and assertion.
5. Explain your evidence. Use your own
words. (This is the most important part
of the paragraph. It demonstrates your
critical thinking.) Provide a clear
explanation of the quote and
how/why it supports your assertion. Do
not simply restate the quote in your
own words.
Commentary: Living in the city that has
such diversity provides citizens
opportunities to interact and
appreciate people of all different
backgrounds. In this global economy
and world, it is important to have
exposure to different customs and
cultures.
6. Insert a concluding sentence. End
your paragraph with a concluding
sentence or a sentence that restates
your assertion in different words, and
shows how your paragraph
contributes to the development of
your argument as a whole.
Conclusion: The diversity
that New York City provides
makes it an excellent place
to live in and grow as an
individual and appreciate
others’ differences.