The document explores the differences between statements of fact, opinion, belief, and assertion in the context of English for academic and professional purposes. It provides examples to illustrate each type of statement, highlighting how personal judgments, stereotypes, and commonplace assertions vary in validity. The text emphasizes the importance of distinguishing these terms for clear communication.

1. ENGLISH FOR
ACADEMIC AND
PROFESSIONAL
PURPOSES

3. Formulating a
Statement of Fact
or Opinion
ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND
PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

4. ASSERTION
a term generally used to refer to
statements of fact, opinion, belief and
prejudice (Ramsay, 1986)

5. a verifiable statement
“Coronavirus 19 is considered to be an infectious
disease and has caused a pandemic around the
world.”
FACT

6. a personal judgment based on
facts
“Former Vice President Leni Robredo is the best
president that the Philippines never had.”
OPINION

7. a conviction based on cultural or
personal faith, morality or values.
“Nature has a healing power.”
BELIEF

8. This is a stereotype, an oversimplification or a
prejudice, which is a half-baked opinion based on
insufficient or unexamined evidence, but it
presented as if it were a fact.
“Men are stronger than women .”
COMMONPLACE ASSERTION

9. “VANILLA ICE CREAM
TASTES BETTER THAN
CHOCOLATE”
FACT OR OPINION?

10. “THE EARTH’S SHAPE IS
OBLATE SPHEROID.”
FACT OR OPINION?

11. “The Philippines is a
country found in
Southeast Asia.”
FACT OR OPINION?

12. “There are 12 months in
a year.”
FACT OR OPINION?

13. “Sir Aldine is very very
very handsome”
FACT OR OPINION?