Thursday, January 19
OPINION OR FACT?
In Unit 5 we are practicing how to express an opinion in writing. It is important to recognize opinions when you read them, and to see the difference between how we express an idea as an opinion, as opposed to how we express an idea as a fact. The textbook (LAWS-2, pp. 168 & 171) explains the difference between opinion and fact in this way:
In Unit 5 we are practicing how to express an opinion in writing. It is important to recognize opinions when you read them, and to see the difference between how we express an idea as an opinion, as opposed to how we express an idea as a fact. The textbook (LAWS-2, pp. 168 & 171) explains the difference between opinion and fact in this way:
Look at the statements on the worksheet below, and decide which are opinions, and which are facts. When you are finished, check with the instructor for feedback.
USING FACTS TO SUPPORT YOUR OPINION
Now, let's apply the same analysis to the model paragraph about violent video games. Use this exercise from the text (LAWS-2, page 172) to identify the facts from the opinions. When you are finished, check with your instructor.
Now, let's apply the same analysis to the model paragraph about violent video games. Use this exercise from the text (LAWS-2, page 172) to identify the facts from the opinions. When you are finished, check with your instructor.
Notice that a good opinion paragraph doesn't have only opinions. The writer uses facts to support the opinions. These facts are in the details. The facts help to convince the reader to accept the opinion.
WORD FORMS
When you know and can use different word forms, it will make your writing more flexible, and help you to avoid unwanted repetition. Here is what the text says:
When you know and can use different word forms, it will make your writing more flexible, and help you to avoid unwanted repetition. Here is what the text says:
Try this exercise to practice identifying the adjective form of important nouns in the model:
SIGNALS FOR OPINIONS
We use common phrases to make our opinions clear when we write. Here is the explanation from the text, (LAWS-2, page 173):
We use common phrases to make our opinions clear when we write. Here is the explanation from the text, (LAWS-2, page 173):
CHOOSING AN OPINION
You can use these signals for opinions to start off Assignment #5-A. First, you can select a statement to write about. You can agree with the statement, or you can disagree with the statement. Here is a list of statement you can choose from:
You can use these signals for opinions to start off Assignment #5-A. First, you can select a statement to write about. You can agree with the statement, or you can disagree with the statement. Here is a list of statement you can choose from:
Choose one statement, and decide: DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT, or DO YOU DISAGREE?
For example, suppose this is the statement you have chosen:
Large cities should ban cars from the city center.
Think about the statement, and then decide.
If you agree:
Use the guidelines above for "Signals for Opinions" to create your topic sentences. For example:
You can create a topic sentence in various ways:
If you DON'T agree:
You need to change the statement in certain ways:
For example, suppose this is the statement you have chosen:
Large cities should ban cars from the city center.
Think about the statement, and then decide.
If you agree:
Use the guidelines above for "Signals for Opinions" to create your topic sentences. For example:
You can create a topic sentence in various ways:
- In my view, large cities should ban cars from the city center.
- In my opinion, large cities should ban cars from the city center.
- I believe that large cities should ban cars from the city center.
- I think that large cities should ban cars from the city center.
If you DON'T agree:
You need to change the statement in certain ways:
Whether you choose to agree or disagree, this sentence can serve as the topic sentence for the assignment. After you have created the topic sentence, you can start to generate your reasons for this opinion. These are some suggested steps to follow to start writing the assignment, from the text (LAWS-2, page 190):