Formulating Statement of Opinion and Assertion

Summary

This lesson teaches students how to effectively formulate and express opinions and assertions. It covers key concepts such as the differences between opinions (subjective, personal beliefs) and assertions (confident statements that can be proven true or false). The lesson also explores four types of assertions: basic, emphatic, escalating, and language assertions. Through practical examples and activities, students learn to identify and categorize statements, as well as create their own opinions and assertions. The goal is to improve clarity in communication, particularly in writing and public speaking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Opinion is a personal point of view, belief, or judgment that is subjective and cannot be proven true or false.
• 😀 Assertions are strong, confident statements that can be proven true or false, differing from opinions in their ability to be verified.
• 😀 Common expressions to state an opinion include 'I think', 'In my view', and 'From my perspective'.
• 😀 Common expressions for assertion include phrases that state facts, such as 'Teachers are the most patient among professionals' or 'Milk is good for your body'.
• 😀 The four types of assertions explained are basic, emphatic, escalating, and language assertion.
• 😀 Basic assertion involves simple and straightforward expressions of feelings or beliefs, like 'Excuse me, I’d like to finish what I’m saying'.
• 😀 Emphatic assertion shows empathy for the other person’s situation while asserting your own viewpoint, like offering support when recognizing someone’s feelings.
• 😀 Escalating assertion involves making a stronger statement when a basic assertion is ignored, such as stating a consequence like, 'If you don’t finish this work by six o'clock, I’ll engage another worker'.
• 😀 Language assertion uses the first person 'I' to express negative feelings constructively, like 'I feel annoyed when you speak harshly'.
• 😀 The lesson emphasizes the importance of choosing the right words or expressions when formulating opinions or assertions, particularly in discussions or public speaking.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the lesson in the script?

The main objective of the lesson is to teach students how to formulate statements of assertion or opinion and distinguish between the two, using appropriate expressions and understanding their differences in both writing and speaking.

How does an opinion differ from an assertion?

An opinion is a personal belief or judgment that cannot be proven true or false, while an assertion is a strong, confident statement that can be either true or false and is often presented without proof or support.

What are some common phrases used to express opinions?

Some common phrases to express opinions include 'I think,' 'I believe,' 'In my opinion,' 'Personally, I think,' and 'From my perspective.'

Can assertions be proven true or false?

Yes, assertions can be proven true or false. While they may be based on belief, they can be verified with evidence or factual support.

What is an example of an opinion from the script?

An example of an opinion from the script is, 'Pistachio ice cream is the best flavor of ice cream sold in the market.' This is a subjective statement that cannot be proven true or false.

What are the four types of assertions discussed in the lesson?

The four types of assertions discussed are Basic Assertion, Emphatic Assertion, Escalating Assertion, and Language Assertion.

How does an emphatic assertion differ from a basic assertion?

An emphatic assertion includes recognition of the other person's feelings or situation and expresses support for their viewpoint, while a basic assertion is a straightforward, simple statement expressing feelings or beliefs without such recognition.

Give an example of an escalating assertion.

An example of an escalating assertion is, 'If you do not finish this work by 6 o’clock, I will engage the services of another worker.' This statement escalates the consequences if the person does not respond to the initial request.

What is the purpose of language assertion in communication?

The purpose of language assertion is to express negative feelings, often using the first-person pronoun 'I,' while also maintaining constructive and non-hurtful communication, especially when dealing with feelings of anger or frustration.

What type of assertion is used when someone expresses anger and sets boundaries in a calm manner?

This is an example of a Language Assertion. It allows the speaker to express negative feelings (such as anger or frustration) without hurting the other person’s feelings, while setting clear boundaries.