Expressing Opinion

Definition

What Are Facts and Opinions?

• Fact is A statement that can be proven true or false.
• Opinion is A personal belief or judgment that is not verifiable.

Expressing opinion refers to the act of stating or communicating one's thoughts, beliefs, or feelings about a particular subject, issue, or topic. 

It is a subjective statement, which may be based on personal experiences, feelings, knowledge, or preferences, and is often used in discussions, debates, essays, and conversations.

Differences Between Facts and Opinions

• Fact: Based on evidence and can be verified.
  Example: "Water boils at 100°C."
• Opinion: Based on personal feelings, preferences, or interpretations.
  Example: "I think chocolate ice cream is the best."

Aim of Expressing Opinion

The aim of expressing an opinion is to share personal views, persuade others, initiate discussions, or provide a perspective on an issue. It may be used to:

1. Inform others about personal beliefs.
2. Persuade or influence others' views.
3. Engage in dialogue or debate.
4. Clarify one's position on a topic.
5. Encourage critical thinking and reflection among others. 

Structure of Expressing Opinion

When expressing an opinion, it is essential to have a clear structure, particularly in written or formal communication. A basic structure can be:

1. Introduction: Introduce the topic or issue.
• Example: "I believe that climate change is one of the most critical issues of our time."
2. Opinion Statement: Clearly state your opinion or viewpoint.
• Example: "In my view, renewable energy is the solution to reducing global warming."
3. Supporting Arguments or Evidence: Provide reasons, facts, examples, or personal experiences to back up your opinion.
• Example: "Renewable energy sources like solar and wind produce little to no carbon emissions, which helps mitigate the effects of global warming."
4. Conclusion or Restatement of Opinion: Reaffirm your opinion or offer a summary of your points.
• Example: "Therefore, transitioning to renewable energy is essential for addressing climate change."

Types of Expressing Opinion

1. Personal Opinion: Based on an individual’s experiences, preferences, or beliefs.
• Example: "I prefer reading books over watching movies."
2. Objective Opinion: Based on facts or logical reasoning, not influenced by personal feelings.
• Example: "According to recent studies, exercise improves mental health."
3. Comparative Opinion: Involves comparing two or more options or ideas.
• Example: "I think that online education is more flexible than traditional classroom learning."
4. Judgmental Opinion: A more critical or evaluative stance, often based on personal standards.
• Example: "This movie was poorly directed and lacked originality."
5. Predictive Opinion: Offers a perspective on what is likely to happen in the future.
• Example: "I believe that technology will continue to shape the future of work."

Language Components Used in Expressing Opinion

1. Opinion Markers: Words or phrases that signal the speaker's or writer's viewpoint.
• Examples: I think, in my opinion, I believe, from my point of view, it seems to me, as far as I am concerned, personally, I feel.
2. Supporting Phrases: To give reasons, examples, or evidence to support the opinion.
• Examples: because, due to, for example, for instance, as a result, this is because, this shows that.
3. Conjunctions and Connectors: To link ideas, show cause and effect, or compare opinions.
• Examples: However, therefore, on the other hand, although, similarly, in contrast, consequently.
4. Modal Verbs: To express degrees of certainty or possibility.
• Examples: might, could, would, should, must, may.
5. Adverbs and Adjectives: To intensify or soften the opinion.
• Examples: I strongly believe, I honestly think, it's absolutely clear, it seems rather unlikely.
6. Conditionals: To express hypothetical situations or future possibilities.
• Example: If we continue to ignore climate change, it could have disastrous consequences.

Examples
- Facts

• The Earth revolves around the Sun.
• 1 kilogram equals 1000 grams.
• The capital of France is Paris.

- Opinions

• "This movie was amazing!"
• "I believe summer is the best season."
• "Eating healthy food is overrated."