Argumentative Writing & Persuasive Techniques Fact & Opinion Argumentative Writing & Persuasive Techniques

Fact & Opinion When reading nonfiction, it is important to be able to distinguish between statements that are facts and statements that are opinions.

Fact Fact A fact is something that can be proven. Example: Cairo is the capital city of Egypt. This statement can be proven true by looking at a map of Egypt.

Opinion Opinion An opinion is a person’s judgment or belief. An opinion is something that may be supported by factual evidence, BUT it cannot be proven.

Opinion Opinion Example: Blue is the best color for the room. This statement cannot be proven true by looking in a reference section.

Fact & Opinion Be aware that some writers will present opinions as facts. To get the truth, use resources to check facts.

Fact & Opinion The following list of resources may be used to confirm whether a statement is accurate Almanac Atlas or Map Biographical Dictionary Online Encyclopedia Reliable Website

Fact & Opinion As you read, recognize clues that indicate an opinion. I believe… In my opinion… I think… Look for words which may be broad statements that reveal a personal judgment. Always Never Must Cannot Best Worst All

Argumentative Writing Writers will often try to convince you to think or act in a certain way. Many of them write argumentative essays. Argumentative writing is a type of nonfiction that presents a series of arguments to convince readers to think about or act on something or accept the writer’s opinion using evidence for support

Persuasive Techniques When you read argumentative essays, be alert for the use of persuasive techniques. Expert Opinions Using opinions of experts and well-known people Emotional Statements Using words that convey strong feelings Use of logic and reason Using logical arguments backed by facts You will need to decide whether the techniques are powerful enough to convince you to accept the author’s ideas.