Becoming a truly effective critical reader starts with the ability to identify the claims or statements a writer puts forward. The writer’s goal is often to have the reader consider—and ideally agree with—the points they are making.
In expository writing, these claims are presented primarily as assertions.
An assertion is a declarative sentence that makes a claim about something, meaning it asserts that something is true about something else. In the simplest terms, an assertion is a sentence that is capable of being judged as either true or false.
Consider these examples related to the sampaguita flower:
- The sampaguita’s roots are used for medicinal purposes, such as an anesthetic and a sedative.
- The sampaguita belongs to the genus Jasminum of the family Oleaceae.
- The popularity of sampaguita flowers is most evident in places of worship.
- Sampaguitas are the most beautiful and most fragrant of all flowers.
Understanding the validity of a writer’s claims requires classifying them. Assertions can be categorized into four common types, based on the degree of certainty with which their truthfulness can be judged.
The Four Types of Assertions
1. Fact
A Fact is a statement that can be proven objectively true. Its truthfulness can be verified by direct experience, testimonies of reliable witnesses, verified observations, or the documented results of research. Because statements of fact can be double-checked for accuracy using verifiable evidence, there is general agreement about the truth they posit.
- Example: The sampaguita’s roots are used for medicinal purposes, such as an anesthetic and a sedative.
- Explanation: This is a Fact because it can be directly verified through scientific research reports or empirical evidence demonstrating its medicinal use. Identifying statements of fact is the most vital step in evaluating a writer’s foundational evidence.
2. Convention
An assertion of Convention refers to a way in which something is generally accepted or done, similar to traditions, norms, or established definitions. Conventions depend on historical precedents, laws, rules, usage, and customs. Their truthfulness is verified by how commonly held definitions and beliefs are interpreted and accepted by a community or field (e.g., science, law, grammar).
It is important to note that conventions may sound factual because they are derived from accepted customs or frameworks. However, because they are socially accepted ways of defining or classifying things, they cannot be verified objectively using physical measurements alone.
- Example: The sampaguita belongs to the genus Jasminum of the family Oleaceae.
- Explanation: This is a Convention because it is based on a classification system (taxonomy) established and accepted by the scientific community. While systematic, it is an agreed-upon system of grouping, not a physically measurable phenomenon.
3. Opinion
An Opinion is a statement that is based on facts but is difficult to objectively verify due to the uncertainty involved in producing satisfactory or repeatable proofs of its soundness. Opinions result from ambiguity; the more subjective or complex a statement, the harder it is to verify conclusively. Because of this ambiguity, opinions are often open to disputes and varied interpretations.
- Example: The popularity of sampaguita flowers is most evident in places of worship.
- Explanation: This is an Opinion because it is based on an observation that requires extensive study, consistent methodology, and repeated observation to prove. Too many factors (personal preference, regional differences, context of observation) are involved, making explicit, objective judgment difficult.
4. Preference
A Preference is an assertion based purely on personal choice, taste, or inclination. Therefore, preferences are inherently subjective, meaning they cannot be objectively proven true or false, nor can they be logically attacked or defended using evidence.
- Example: Sampaguitas are the most beautiful and most fragrant of all flowers.
- Explanation: This is a Preference because it states a personal liking for the qualities of the sampaguita. The statement reflects the writer’s taste rather than objectively comparing measurable qualities (like fragrance intensity) to other flowers, making it purely subjective.
