1. Opinions and Commonplace Assertions VS. Facts

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Facts
Can be proved or disproved.

6. 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.