Understanding Opinions and Argumentation

Questions and Answers

It is a person's thoughts or views on something. (correct)

It is based on facts only.

It is universally accepted.

It is always right.

To make others agree with your point of view. (correct)

To confuse others with unnecessary information.

To simply state your opinion without justification.

To demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic.

It is based on opinions only.

It is highly unlikely to happen.

It is based on assumptions only.

It is likely to be real or to actually happen. (correct)

To ensure the reader understands the reasons. Signup and view all the answers

It will help kids to be rich adults by becoming professional skateboarders. Signup and view all the answers

They do not clearly explain how the skate park will benefit the community Signup and view all the answers

To anticipate and counter potential counterarguments Signup and view all the answers

Because it will positively impact the entire taxpaying community by reducing health care costs Signup and view all the answers

Imagine your readers are aliens with no concept of how a community or a skate park operates Signup and view all the answers

It helps you to identify weaknesses in your original reasons Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

An opinion is a person's thoughts or views on something, and people are more likely to agree with your point of view if you provide strong reasons or facts to support your opinion.

A plausible reason is likely to be real or to actually happen, and it's best to choose at least three plausible reasons when writing an opinion piece.
Examples of plausible reasons for building a community skate park near the downtown area include:
- It will make sidewalks safer for pedestrians because skateboarders won't be using the same area where people are walking.
- It will bring business to stores and restaurants because kids and parents will shop and eat while they're in the downtown area to skate.
- It will promote good physical health for kids by giving them a safe place to exercise through skating.

Communicating clearly is critical when providing reasons for an opinion.
Clear reasons give enough detail to make someone understand why building a downtown skate park is a good idea.
Unclear reasons lack a clear connection between the reason given and the proposed skate park.
When evaluating reasons for clarity, imagine your readers have no concept of how a community or a skate park operates, and explain all necessary information.

Arguing against yourself means thinking of arguments against your opinion before someone else has the chance, to make sure your reasons are strong enough to hold up.
Examples of arguing against yourself include:
- Considering counterarguments to your reasons, such as "What do I care about a bunch of kids' health?"
- Poking holes in counterarguments, such as explaining how improving kids' health will help the whole community by reducing health care costs.