Formulating Evaluative Statements

Summary

In this lesson on reading and writing skills, students explore critical reading as an active process involving analysis, interpretation, and evaluation. They learn to formulate evaluative statements by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of texts. Key concepts include assertions—statements of fact, opinion, convention, and preference—and the importance of counter claims, which provide contrasting perspectives to enhance critical thinking. The lesson emphasizes the role of sound judgment and evidence in writing, as well as techniques for effectively presenting counter arguments while maintaining a respectful tone.

Takeaways

• 📚 Critical reading involves analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating texts actively.
• 📝 Formulating evaluative statements helps express the strengths and weaknesses of arguments.
• 🔍 Assertions are strong statements that declare beliefs without necessarily providing evidence.
• 📊 Statements of fact can be objectively proven through research and observation.
• 💭 Statements of opinion are subjective and can be debated, reflecting personal beliefs.
• 📜 Statements of convention rely on social norms and historical precedents but cannot be objectively verified.
• 🌸 Statements of preference are based on personal choices and values, lacking objective proof.
• ⚖️ Counter claims provide contrasting perspectives and are essential for critical analysis.
• 🔄 Formulating counter claims shows engagement with different viewpoints and enhances critical thinking skills.
• 🌟 Using hedges in writing can soften criticisms and make counter claims more courteous.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this week's lesson?

The main focus of this week's lesson is on formulating evaluative statements, which involves analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of a text.

How does critical reading differ from regular reading?

Critical reading is a more active way of reading that involves analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating the text, rather than just passively absorbing information.

What are evaluative statements used for?

Evaluative statements are used to provide a value judgment about a text based on specific criteria and evidence gathered from the text.

What is an assertion in the context of this lesson?

An assertion is a statement used to make a declaration or express strong belief on a topic, often intended to convince the reader of the writer's interpretation.

What are the four common types of assertions?

The four common types of assertions are: statement of fact, statement of opinion, statement of convention, and statement of preference.

What defines a statement of fact?

A statement of fact is an assertion that can be objectively proven through evidence, such as research or verified observations.

How are opinions defined in the context of assertions?

Opinions are statements based on personal beliefs that cannot be objectively verified, and they may vary significantly from one person to another.

What role do counterclaims play in critical reading?

Counterclaims provide a contrasting perspective to a claim made in a text, allowing the reader to engage with different viewpoints and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic.

What are hedges, and why are they important?

Hedges are words or phrases that soften the impact of criticism in writing, helping to maintain a courteous tone when presenting counterclaims.

What are the steps to write an effective counterclaim?

The steps to write a counterclaim include beginning with a sentence starter, transitioning back to your opinion, and clearly stating the counterclaim.