1

Learning objectives: Differentiate facts from opinions Identify a writer’s stance Identify biases in opinions and data Recognize different voices 2

What is stance? "Stance" literally refers to where people stand - their position, argument or thesis. Positive/Negative/ Critical/ Neutral…. 3

Identify a writer’s stance A writer’s stance and opinions are usually backed up through supporting evidence: Different types of supporting evidence Facts Statistics Examples Quotations from experts Expert opinions 4

5 Examples Quotations from experts Facts Expert opinions Statistics

Differentiate facts and opinions A fact is a statement that can be shown to be true by observation or by experiment. An opinion is a statement that expresses an attitude, a belief, or a point of view. Although opinions can be supported by facts, they cannot be confirmed. 6

Examples Elephants are the largest land animals that are alive today. A fact. It can be verified by comparing the sizes of different species of animals. Elephants are the most interesting animals that are alive today. An opinion. It is neither true nor false but just a personal opinion. 7

Examples As the influential consultancy Interbrand puts it, “In a world where consumers are oftentimes overwhelmed with information, the role of a brand plays in people’s lives has become all the more important.” But information overload is largely a myth. “Most consumers learn very quickly how to get a great deal of information efficiently and effectively,” Simonson says. (Extended reading, Unit 1) 8

Identify a writer’s stance Sometimes a writer’s stance is not always clear from explicit statements in the text. The writer may use words/ expressions that help indicate or imply his/her values and attitudes. 9

Examples Safety standards were questionable at best: its struggling subsidiary Henan Airlines, based in central-eastern China’s Henan province, suffered a tragic accident in August…. (Extended reading, Unit 2) 10

Examples Mr. Obama has said that workers who like their company-provided insurance will be able to keep it. This is like promising that if you like sunshine, it won’t rain. (Extended reading, Unit 7) Mr. Obama has said that workers who like their company-provided insurance will be able to keep it. This is like promising that if you like sunshine, it won’t rain. 11

Identify biases in opinions and data Are they believable or likely to be biased? About the author Is the author or the institution/organisation a qualified authority? Is the author or the institution/organisation likely to have vested interests in the issue? (e.g. A tobacco company is likely to hide the dangers of cigarette smoking.) About the purpose of the text Is the text written to inform, explain or give facts? Is the text written to sell or entice? Is the text written just for fun or to entertain? Is the language emotional? Is the text/website sponsored by commercials? 12

Are they believable? Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 13 Historic data cannot show what has happened in the last decades. The evidence from Germany cannot show the situation in Asia. It needs to be more specific about the report’s author/editor/source. The increase from 2 to 4 is not drastic.

Recognise different voices It is important not to assume that merely because a practice is associated with low-income levels that it is necessarily inferior. Helen Icken Safa (1967) has shown, for example, that high-rise public housing destroys the sense of community and patterns of neighbourly cooperation that frequently exist in established slums and shantytowns. Betty and Charles Valentine (1970) stress the resourcefulness, sense of humour, and informality of black ghetto culture. Oscar Lewis's (1961, 1966) remarkable documentaries of ghetto life, as told in the tape-recorded words of the people themselves, show that many individuals who are trapped in poverty nonetheless achieve a great nobility of spirit. (Marvin Harris, Culture, people, nature: An introduction to general anthropology, Harper & Row, 1975) 14

Recognise different voices It is important not to assume that merely because a practice is associated with low-income levels that it is necessarily inferior. Helen Icken Safa (1967) has shown, for example, that high-rise public housing destroys the sense of community and patterns of neighborly cooperation that frequently exist in established slums and shantytowns. Betty and Charles Valentine (1970) stress the resourcefulness, sense of humor, and informality of black ghetto culture. Oscar Lewis's (1961, 1966) remarkable documentaries of ghetto life, as told in the tape-recorded words of the people themselves, show that many individuals who are trapped in poverty nonetheless achieve a great nobility of spirit. (Marvin Harris, Culture, people, nature: An introduction to general anthropology, Harper & Row, 1975) 15

Point of viewVoice of a cultural practice that is associated with low-income levels is not necessarily inferior Marvin Harris, the author of the book high-rise public housing destroys the sense of community Helen Icken Safa cooperation among neighbours often exists in slums and shantytowns Helen Icken Safa black ghetto culture is resourceful, informal and has a sense of humour Betty & Charles Valentine many individuals trapped in poverty achieve a great nobility of spirit Oscar Lewis 16 So the writer of the paragraph - Marvin Harris - is supporting his claim that cultural practices associated with low-income levels are not necessarily inferior by drawing on the work of others. These others are Helen Icken Safa, Betty & Charles Valentine and Oscar Lewis.

Activity: The Ethics of ‘Designer Babies’ The essay is on the topic: Evaluate the ethical issues surrounding the genetic modification of embryos. Answer the following questions in your own words. What is the writer’s stance on the issue of ‘designer babies’? What reasons does he put forward to support his stance? Are there any courter-arguments? If so, what are they? Do you agree with his stance? Why or why not? 17

Homework Find at least 3 articles with supporting evidence and another 3 articles with opposing evidence. Recognise how the writers expressed their stances. Take notes in point forms and record the sources. 18