Assertions and Evaluative Statements

Assertion

• Assertions are confident and forceful statements of fact or belief.
• Assertions are declarative sentences.
• Assertions give one's belief about something as if it is true, even though it may not be.
• Assertions are expressed as an argument.
• Give your opinion or argument.
• Whether you agree or disagree with the issue, make an assertion, take a stand, and support it with reasons.

Evaluative Statement

• An evaluative statement states one's sound judgement about something through writing.
• Reasons and evidence support evaluative statements.
• It presents the strengths and weaknesses of something based on a criteria.
• Evaluative statements need to be factual, substantial, and unbiased.
• Formulate through careful and critical reading of the entire text.
• Check for possible fallacies in the arguments presented by the writer.

Forming Evaluative Statements

• Begin with the positives before pointing out the negatives.
• Suggest a solution or suggestion on how to improve the material being evaluated.
• Provide justification for your suggestions.
• Keep your feedback concise and precise.
• Be careful in giving your feedback.
• Evaluations pass judgment onto works, so they must be written and expressed with care and diligence.

Example Evaluative Statements

• "You (referring to the writer) composed an impressive poem. It has a good physical and grammatical arrangement of words that enhance the readers' overall experience."
• "However, the rhyme of your writing is forced. It seems that the words were chosen for the sake of having a rhyming effect that somehow affects the emotional connection between the reader and the poem itself."
• "To improve your work, you should be careful in choosing the appropriate words to be used to best express the meaning and emotions you would like the readers to understand and feel."

Types of Assertions

• Fact
• Convention
• Opinion
• Preference

Fact-Based Assertion

• A statement that can be proven objectively by direct experience, testimonies of witnesses, verified observations, or the results of research.
• Example: According to experts, seawater contains high amounts of minerals such as sodium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium, and calcium.

Convention-Based Assertion

• A way in which something is done similar to traditions and norms.
• Its truthfulness can be verified only by reference to historical precedents, laws, rules, usage, and customs.
• Example: Seawater is classified as a heterogeneous and homogenous mixture.

Opinion-Based Assertion

• A statement based on facts but is difficult to objectively verify.
• This is because of the uncertainty of producing satisfactory proofs of soundness.
• Example: Swimming in seawater is the best activity to refresh and relax your mind, body, and soul.

Preference-Based Assertion

• States a personal choice.
• They are subjective and cannot be objectively proven or logically attacked.
• Example: I love to make frequent trips to places with seawater rather than those without it.