Opinions and Commonplace Assertions VS. Facts

Opinion Based on a belief or feeling on what seems true or probable An opinion or assertion is a judgment. Ex. Green is the best color for the room. A judgment or belief that may be supported by factual evidence, but it cannot be proved.

Commonplace Assertion Example: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Or “Art lifts the human spirit.” A claim that a person makes but cannot always prove. Be aware that some writers present opinions, assertions, or beliefs as facts. To get the truth, use resources to distinguish between them.

Word Clues for Recognizing Opinion and Commonplace Assertions: I believe In my opinion Without question Always/All Cannot Must Never Best/Worst These are broad statements that reveal a personal judgment.

Facts Can be proved or disproved.

REMEMBER: Factual Claim – statement that can be proven from evidence such as fact, personal observation, reliable source, or expert’s opinion Opinion – a statement of personal belief, feeling or thought. Does not require proof Commonplace Assertion – a statement that many people assume to be true but which is not necessarily so.