10

English
Quarter 2 Module 3:
Formulating a Statement of
Opinion or Assertion

CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
English Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 Module 3: Formulating a Statement of Opinion and Assertion

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 10

English
Quarter 2 Module 3:
Formulating a Statement of
Opinion or Assertion
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each

SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you

the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check
your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you
will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can
best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And
read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.
 Lesson
Formulating a Statement of
1 Opinion or Assertion

Learning Competencies

The learner:
1. recognize fact, opinion, and assertion;
2. distinguish opinion and commonplace assertion from fact; and
3. formulate statements of skim for major or central ideas.

What I Need to Know

Hello learner! This module was designed and written with you in mind. Primarily, its
scope is to help you construct well-written statements of opinion or assertion, which
are key elements in expository and argumentative writing.

Learning Objectives:
1. recognize fact, opinion, and assertion;
2. distinguish opinion and commonplace assertion from fact; and
3. formulate statements of skim for major or central ideas.

What I Know

Activity #1: Multiple Choice

Choose the Best Answer, write the correct answer on your answer sheet.
1. It is a statement that is commonly believed to be true even without proof or
evidence.
A. Fact C. Commonplace Assertion
B. Opinion D. Bias or Prejudice

1 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
2. It is a statement that is verifiable, or can be proven true or false based on
evidence or proof.
A. Fact C. Commonplace Assertion
B. Opinion D. Bias or Prejudice

3. Which of the following best defines an opinion?

A. It is a declarative statement that is generally accepted as true.
B. It is a personal view, judgment or appraisal about a particular matter.
C. It can be proven true or false based on whatever evidence is available.
D. It is a statement that is true not only to the speaker but to everyone
else.
4. What is the similarity between an opinion and a commonplace
assertion?
A. They can be opposed.
B. They are subjective and personal.
C. They are based on evidence or proof.
D. They are generally accepted to be true.

5. Which is not a category of an opinion statement?

A. Statement of Truth C. Statement of Policy
B. Statement of Value D. Statement of Preference

6. Under what category of opinion statement does the following statement

belong to? Online selling has become a very viable source of income
nowadays.
A. Statement of Truth C. Statement of Policy
B. Statement of Value D. Statement of Preference

7. Which of the following is a well-constructed opinion statement?

A. Baguio is the safest city to live in during this pandemic.
B. I think the local government of Baguio deserves recognition for its
efforts.
C. LGU leaders in the city always make sound and calculated decisions.
D. Mayor Benjamin Magalong exemplary handled the pandemic in his
jurisdiction.

8. Which of these statements is neither an opinion nor a commonplace

assertion?
A. Women are careful drivers.
B. All industrial nations are first world countries.
C. There are more men than women who became president of the
country.
D. The number of males in the Senate and Congress suggests that males
are better lawmakers.

9. A commonplace assertion is commonly referred to as stereotypes. Which of

these statements is an example of stereotype?
A. All boys are more open-minded than girls.
B. Most religions allow only the males to be the leaders.
C. Schools across the country advocate gender equality.
D. Women deserve the same opportunities that are given to men.

2 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
 10. What makes the following statement an example of commonplace assertion?
Milk is good for your body.
A. It asserts that milk is the best source of calcium which makes bones
and teeth stronger.
B. It makes people believe that milk contains all the vitamins and
minerals that the body needs.
C. It disregards the fact that some people are lactose intolerant, and milk
may cause stomach upset.
D. All of the above.

For numbers 11-15, read the given excerpt of an opinion article and then identify
statements of fact, opinion and assertion from the passage.

Online delivery, not online class

Conducting online classes today is ideal, there is no doubt about it, but ours
is considered a third world country. Having an online class is possible and but it is
never fair to all students especially those studying in public schools. Online classes
are financially
cannot cope with these demands.

The majority of the students in public schools do not have gadgets or fast-
internet service connections necessary for online classes. Teachers cannot just hold
these classes to a small number of the class only because most students have no
means to join. Those who are not privileged of sufficient income will be denied of the
learnings attained in activities and discussion.

Pubic schools can conduct online classes but it would be discriminating

because it is selective. The learning experiences would not be the same for
everybody and the poor will certainly be on the losing end.

- Sherwin L. Fernando, SunStar Baguio (September 27, 2020)

11. Fact: ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________
12. Assertion: ________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
13 - 15. Opinions:
a. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

3 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
 Everyday conversation and writing is characterized not only by factual

convictions. In other words, we often make statements or assertions of fact, opinion,

belief and even prejudice. This is because we often process and interpret factual
evidence based on our own values, feelings, tastes, and experiences.

Fowler H. Ramsay (1986), as outlined in the Colorado State University website,

described assertion as a term generally used to refer to statements of fact, opinion,
belief and prejudice. These types or categories of assertion are quite different from
one another. A fact is a verifiable statement. It can be proven objectively by verified
observations or the results of research among others. Because statements of fact can
be double-checked for accuracy, there is general agreement about the truth they
posit. On the other hand, an opinion is a personal judgment based on facts; hence,
it is debatable and potentially changeable.

The third category is called belief, which is a conviction based on cultural or

personal faith, morality or values. A statement of belief may look similar with an
opinion, but they are not based on evidence; that is why they cannot be contested or
argued in a rational or logical manner. Lastly, there is the rather vague category
called commonplace assertion. This is a stereotype, an oversimplification or a
prejudice, which is a half-baked opinion based on insufficient or unexamined
evidence, but it presented as if it were a fact. It is often accepted from others (families,
friends, media etc.), making it too common to be questioned about its truthfulness.

These categories of assertion are so prevalent in social media today, and the
distinction between one another is slowly becoming unclear because of how netizens
present everything as facts. This is why every social media needs to be a critical and
informed reader to be able to verify the truthfulness of the information he/she comes
across.

In one of the previous modules, you learned about the language of research,
advocacies and campaigns. Opinions and assertions are very important in advocacies
and campaigns; hence, it would be advantageous for a writer, or even a speaker, to
clearly express their views on important matters.

4 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
Activity #2:
Go over each of the following statements and write FACT if it is factual, and
OPINION of it is a personal interpretation or conclusion derived from factual
evidence, and ASSERTION if it is a commonplace assertion, or a claim that is not
supported by evidence. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. There is not a single district in Baguio City with zero record of Covid-
19 cases.
2. The surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in Baguio can be attributed
to expanded testing efforts and heightened contact tracing.
3. To ease the worsening poverty caused by the pandemic, livelihood
projects for poor families are a better solution than cash subsidies.
4. The liquor ban is one of the best policies of the local government in
keeping the coronavirus disease under control.
5. The only tourists allowed to come to Baguio are those from Region 1
and nearby provinces with minimal Covid-19 cases.
6. Tourism always solves the financial woes of every major city in the
entire country.
7. Many poor families have greatly benefitted from the two tranches of the

8. Small businesses had to close as an effect of the Covid-19 pandemic,

business venture.
9. Longer quarantine period translates to lower crime rates in every city.
10. In times of global crisis, men are better leaders than women.

What is It

Whenever you browse your newsfeed, will you be able to tell how much of the

and opinion or assertion, then you are likely to fall victim to misinformation or fake
news. As a 21st century learner, you should be able to tell the difference between the
two. Similarly, you are also expected to know how to properly construct statements
of opinion or assertion. Below is a detailed discussion of opinion and commonplace
assertion.
An opinion is a type of assertion which expresses a judgment, viewpoint, or
statement about matters commonly considered to be subjective. It is a personal view;
however, it is still based on facts. In other words, it is an honest attempt to draw a

preference, or prejudice (e.g. The president is the worst leader the country has ever
had.)

5 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
 An opinion statement is composed mainly of a debatable topic and a focus
(i.e., the specific feeling or belief the writer or speaker has about the topic.) It can
sometimes be distinguished from other constructions because it often uses qualifying
words such as almost, usually, maybe, probably, often, some, most and in most cases.

Take, for instance, the sentence: Most public schools are ready for distance education.
opinion that is easier to support. Opinions
result from ambiguities; the more ambiguous a statement, the more difficult it is to
verify, and so they are open to disputes.
There are three categories of opinion statements, namely:

It is an opinion that something is or is not the case. For example: With

Statement the minimal number of Covid-19 cases in the city, Baguio City clearly
of Truth has more effective contact tracing methods than most cities in the
country.

It is an opinion statement which claims that something does or does

Statement not have worth. For example: Hard lockdowns of barangays has not
of Value been effective in controlling the spread of the coronavirus.

It claims that something should or should not be done. For example:

Statement Amidst the ongoing pandemic, what teachers and students need is not
of Policy academic freeze but material, moral and instructional support from the
leaders in the education department.
Take note that the given examples are claims or statements that are based on

debated or opposed. In other words, they are personal views. They may be true for
the speaker o
important to make the readers aware of the evidence and how it led you to arrive at
your opinion.
Another statement or expression that is somewhat similar to an opinion is
called commonplace assertion. Readers or listeners sometimes confuse the two
with each other; however, a commonplace assertion does not appear to be as
subjective as an opinion. Instead, it claims universality and is presented as an
absolute truth. Further, a commonplace assertion is a statement used to make a
declaration or to express strong belief on a particular topic, often without evidence.
They are so common (because they are passed on by friends, family members, and
the media) that they are believed to be true even without proof, and some statements
of commonplace assertion have become stereotypes. For example:

1. Men are stronger than women.

2. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Written as declarative sentences, these statements appear to be facts. But let

us analyze each of them. The first example is a typical stereotype, a statement that
many people have accepted to be true. However, there is no evidence to support this,
and there are many layers of the statement that are ambiguous. For instance, it is
not clear if it is referring only to physical strength. This is why the statement is
something that many women have been trying to disprove.

6 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
 As for the second example, many people have also accepted this as a fact.
However, it is not clear
need to visit a physician anymore. Moreover, it is still possible that someone who
eats apple everyday could get sick and will need to visit a doctor.

It is clear from these examples of commonplace assertion that readers need to

be critical about the information they read, so as not to assume that these unfounded
statements are absolute truths. Similarly, writers need restraint in presenting their
prejudices and opinions as factual statements. In other words, personal views should
be presented as opinions, and not as stereotypes or even facts.

By this time, you should be able to distinguish between facts and

opinions or assertions. Practice your skill by reading this commentary
and identifying the opinions embedded in the article.

On Social Media and Education

The news about the Department of Information and Communications

Technology (DICT) eyeing to ban social media for school assignments,
- reminded me of the task I gave to my
Grade 8 students two years ago.
I instructed the learners to post their essay on Facebook and told them
that I would score it based on the number of likes and good comments it will
get within a week. Although some of the students complained that they do not
have many friends to like their post, they still complied and the learning goal
was met --
meaningful discussions online.
That was one of the activities that proved how useful social media is in
enhancing teaching and learning processes, and banning its use in schools
will greatly affect meaningful interactions inside and outside the classroom.
I have heard students say that group chats are a necessity to keep them

discussions are helpful in accomplishing such tasks. Moreover, one class I

once handled wrote in their essay how their group chat in Science is an
extension of their classroom, especially when their subject teacher uses it to
send lecture notes, reminders and assignments so that students who were
absent in class could catch up.
The usefulness of social media can be further confirmed by many
researchers in the local and international setting. One example is the 2016
study of Vishranti Raut and Prafulla Patil that highlighted the strength of

to best suit their individual learning styles and increase their academic

The same conclusion is echoed in the case study of Bernard John Kolan
and Patience Emefa Dzandza in 2018. They noted that although only about
20 percent of their respondents use social media mainly for academic
purpose, the remaining 80 percent still use the tools to perform academic-

7 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
 Meanwhile, a 2017 study in Pangasinan looked into how teachers perceive
the role of social media in education. The findings revealed that social media

student-teacher interactions. However, the researchers also acknowledged

that while it promotes communication and builds connection, social media

Distraction. This is indeed the downside in social media usage and it is for
this reason that DICT is proposing to ban it in schools. Undoubtedly, students
do get distracted from doing school requirements when they already logged in
to, say, Facebook. Worse, this could result in addiction.
But despite the fact that social media could be a two-edge sword, schools
can still greatly capitalize on its use. A recent study in Saudi Arabia notes

responsibility
seminars to educate students about the possible implications of social media
usage on their academic performance. Moreover, contrary to the proposal of
DICT, these researchers suggest that teachers channel assignments or
discussions on social media platforms to inculcate the proper use of these
sites for academic work.

access to social media. They claim that if parents will lessen the time their
kids spend on these sites, and if they pay attention to their academic progress,

studies.
Indeed, there are gains and losses in the unabated use of social media;
h
performance? I would say that people put their trust in us first, that we --
educators, parents, and learners -- could still regulate the use of social media
in order to maximize learning beyond the walls of the classroom.
Vanessa Abubo, Baguio Midland Courier (June 16, 2019)

The article above is evidently an opinion piece because of the use of the

earlier, opinions are personal judgments based on available facts, which is why there
are also proof or evidence in this commentary.
But how many opinionated statements or assertions were you able find in the
article? Here are some of them; and if you identified the following, then you are a
critical reader:
Banning its (social media) use in schools will greatly affect meaningful
interactions inside and outside the classroom.
Group chats are a necessity to keep them (students) updated of upcoming
classroom activities and requirements...
Social media could be a two-edge sword.
There are gains and losses in the unabated use of social media.

Before proceeding to the next activities, please take time to rate this opinion article.
Shade the emoji that matches your reaction towards the text.

8 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
 Source: https://emojipedia.org/facebook/

Activity #3: FACT OR OPINION?

Read the facts given, and then identify which of the succeeding statements
are debatable opinions drawn from the said facts. Put a check mark on the
corresponding box.

According to the report of the Inter-Agency Committee Against

Trafficking (IACAT), in 2017 the Department of Social Welfare and
Development served a total of 175 victims of child pornography and in 2018
there were 230 victims served, an alarming 31 percent increase from the
previous year.

264.63 percent increase in the number of reported online sexual exploitation

of children (OSEC) during the quarantine.
- Rillorta, Patrick, Baguio Midland Courier (September 13, 2020)

1. The number of children falling victim to abuse is constantly increasing over

the years.
2.
well being.
3. There are negligent parents and guardians in many households in the
country.
4. The cyberspace is not a safe place for children.
5. Several agencies are working hand-in-hand in monitoring and addressing
issues involving children.

9 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
Activity #4:
Write a statement of opinion or assertion for each of the given topics.

1. Baguio as a Model City

Opinion: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
2. Distance Learning
Opinion: ______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
3. Online Selling:
Opinion: ______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
4. Corruption:
Assertion: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
5. Mental Health
Assertion: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

What I Have Learned

Activity #5: SIMILAR YET DIFFERENT

Differentiate an opinion from a commonplace assertion through a Venn Diagram.

Opinion Commonplace
Assertion

1. 1. 1.

2. 2. 2.

10 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
 What I Can Do

Activity #6: SPEAKING OUT

Interview one of your parents and two friends or classmates. Let them to cite
an assertion or a statement/claim that they strongly believe is true even if it is not
supported by any evidence. Likewise, ask them to give a one-sentence opinion
regarding any of the following issues:
o health and safety protocols in Baguio City
o traffic scheme in the city
o opening the city to tourists
o modular learning
o academic freeze

Name of Interviewee Assertion Opinion

Assessment

Choose the letter of the best answer, and write it on a separate sheet of paper.
1. It is a statement that is commonly believed to be true even without proof or
evidence.
A. Fact C. Commonplace Assertion
B. Opinion D. Bias or Prejudice

2. It is a statement that is verifiable, or can be proven true or false based on

evidence or proof.
A. Fact C. Commonplace Assertion
B. Opinion D. Bias or Prejudice

3. Which of the following best defines an opinion?

A. It is a declarative statement that is generally accepted as true.
B. It is a personal view, judgment or appraisal about a particular matter.
C. It can be proven true or false based on whatever evidence is available.
D. It is a statement that is true not only to the speaker but to everyone
else.

11 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
4. What is the similarity between an opinion and a commonplace assertion?
A. They can be opposed.
B. They are subjective and personal.
C. They are based on evidence or proof.
D. They are generally accepted to be true.

5. Which is not a category of an opinion statement?

A. Statement of Truth C. Statement of Policy
B. Statement of Value D. Statement of Preference

6. Under what category of opinion statement does the following statement belong
to? Online selling has become a very viable source of income nowadays.
A. Statement of Truth C. Statement of Policy
B. Statement of Value D. Statement of Preference

7. Which of the following is a well-constructed opinion statement?

A. Baguio is the safest city to live in during this pandemic.
B. I think the local government of Baguio deserves recognition for its
efforts.
C. LGU leaders in the city always make sound and calculated decisions.
D. Mayor Benjamin Magalong exemplary handled the pandemic in his
jurisdiction.

8. Which of these statements is neither an opinion nor a commonplace

assertion?
A. Women are careful drivers.
B. All industrial nations are first world countries.
C. There are more men than women who became president of the
country.
D. The number of males in the Senate and Congress suggests that males
are better lawmakers.

9. A commonplace assertion is commonly referred to as stereotypes. Which of

these statements is an example of stereotype?
A. All boys are more open-minded than girls.
B. Most religions allow only the males to be the leaders.
C. Schools across the country advocate gender equality.
D. Women deserve the same opportunities that are given to men.

10. What makes the following statement an example of commonplace assertion?

Milk is good for your body.
A. It asserts that milk is the best source of calcium which makes bones
and teeth stronger.
B. It makes people believe that milk contains all the vitamins and minerals
that the body needs.
C. It disregards the fact that some people are lactose intolerant, and milk
may cause stomach upset.
D. All of the above.

12 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
For numbers 11-15, read the given excerpt of an opinion article and then identify
statements of fact, opinion and assertion from the passage.

Online delivery, not online class

Conducting online classes today is ideal, there is no doubt about it,

but ours is considered a third world country. Having an online class is
possible and but it is never fair to all students especially those studying in
public schools. Online classes are financially demanding and most likely,
s.

The majority of the students in public schools do not have gadgets or

fast-internet service connections necessary for online classes. Teachers
cannot just hold these classes to a small number of the class only because
most students have no means to join. Those who are not privileged of
sufficient income will be denied of the learnings attained in activities and
discussion.

Pubic schools can conduct online classes but it would be

discriminating because it is selective. The learning experiences would not be
the same for everybody and the poor will certainly be on the losing end.

- Sherwin L. Fernando, SunStar Baguio (September 27, 2020)

11. Fact: ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________
12. Assertion: ________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
13 - 15. Opinions:
a. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

13 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3
 Additional Activities

Activity #7:
Write an opinion article about any current social or political issue. Be sure to
phrase your opinions and assertions correctly, and write in no less than 200 words.
Be guided by the following rubric.

Criteria Very Good (5) Good (3) Needs Improvement

(1)
Purpose Opinion is Opinion is clear, Opinion is confusing
introduced, clearly and the focus is and too ambiguous,
communicated, and mostly maintained and the focus drifts
the focus is strongly for the purpose and from the purpose and
maintained for the audience. audience.
purpose and
audience.
Elaboration/ Comprehensive Comprehensive There is little
Evidence evidence (facts and evidence (facts and evidence integrated.
details) from the details) from the Moreover, vocabulary
source material is source material is and style are not
integrated and with integrated but are appropriate and
proper attribution. not properly effective.
Vocabulary and attributed.
style are appropriate Vocabulary and
and effective. style are generally
appropriate and
effective.
Organization There is effective There is effective The introduction and
and clear and clear conclusion are not
introduction and introduction and effective, and there is
conclusion. Also, conclusion, but the not logical
the logical logical progression progression of ideas
progression of ideas of ideas is not in most parts of the
is evident sustained in some essay.
throughout the parts of the essay.
essay.
Conventions The article shows There are minimal The article is riddled
correct use of errors in word with errors in word
language, usage, grammar, usage, grammar,
punctuation, punctuation and punctuation which
grammar and spelling but these makes the text
spelling. do not affect the difficult to
clarity of the text. comprehend.

Score
- Adapted from Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium

14 CO_Q2_English 10_Module 3