LAB ASSIGNMENT FIVE

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LAB ASSIGNMENT FIVE

• Learning the difference between fact and opinion.

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FACT AND OPINION

• Do you know the difference when you read?

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What is a fact?

• A fact is something that is true about a subject
  and can be tested or proven.

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You are a student in this class.

• Is this a fact? Can we prove you are a student
  by checking your registration, the tuition you
  paid and my roll sheet?

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What is an opinion?

• An opinion is what someone thinks or believes is
  true about a subject .
• Opinions have value words best, worst,
  fabulous, etc.

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Is it truly a fact?

• Opinions often are disguised as facts with words
  like..
• Will it will rain tomorrow.
• May The stock market may rise by January.
• Should It is a fact that due to cheating,
  students should be failed in the class.

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Can you tell the difference? Fact or Opinion?

• 1. Union officials told the press that if the
  teachers did not receive a pay raise, then there
  would be a strike.
• Opinion - due to the words, would be
  indicating the future.
• 2. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a significant
  factor in helping to bring the United States into
  WW II.

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Was it a fact? Was it an opinion?

• Ask yourself can it be proven with documents,
  testimony, etc.
• If so, it is a fact!

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Lets see how you do

• On a separate sheet of paper, write your name,
  class time, and date. Then answer the following
  below. Next to the number of the statement write
  F for fact, and T for true. Give to Mrs. Sabin
  
• Due Thurs. Nov 20
• 1. The Titanic was the grandest passenger ship
  ever constructed. (fact / opinion?)
• 2. The white in the American flag represents
  purity and innocence the red, hardiness and
  valor the blue, vigilance, perseverance and
  justice the stars, stand for each state in the
  union. (fact / opinion)

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More practice!

• 3. Prof. Leary failed 70 of his class because
  they couldn't distinguish between facts and
  opinions! (fact / opinion?)
• 4. Marilyn Monroe died in her home at the age of
  36. (fact / opinion?)

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The different types of opinions

• There are different types of opinions
• 1. Inherited opinions these are the ones
  transmitted by family, culture, traditions, etc.
  
• For example You are just like your dad - a lazy
  boy who will never amount to anything!

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Ever heard these opinions?

• You will never do well because you cant read!
• I am a Democrat and will always be. (Mom and dad
  were Dems)
• College is the most important thing you can do
  for you life!
• Bagels should not be used as bread for hamburgers.

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2. Involuntary Opinions

• These are the opinions not culturally or socially
  inherited nor consciously adopted but that come
  through indoctrination.

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Involuntary Opinion

• Remember the group in Orange County who thought
  the world was coming to an end with the comet?
• Or the members of the Jim Jones sect or cult who
  murdered themselves?

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More examples

• The Zealots in ancient times, there was a
  religious group who were persecuted by the
  Romans. They went to the top of a mountain to
  live. When the Romans tried to get them they all
  drank poison so they would not be captured. They
  believed so strongly in their religion that they
  were called zealots thus the term today!

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Cult or Sect Opinion Forming

• Any group with which you are a part often plays a
  strong role in shaping your opinions. Those that
  are forced upon you or make you act in a
  strange way are involuntary opinions Ruby
  Ridge, Waco Texas, The Moonies, Heavens Gate,
  Jim Jones, etc.

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3. Adaptive Opinions

• Opinions grow out of our willingness to adapt to
  or even want to adopt the view of a large group,
  sub group or institution to which we belong.
  This is the path of least resistance.
• Peer, Team, Religious, Work
• Work pressure Does you career depend on what
  you believe or say?

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4. CONCEALED OPINION

• RATHER THAN ROCK THE BOAT
• Do you go along with the group opinion?
• Are you afraid of ostracism, ridicule,
  retaliation or job loss?
• Do you share your opinion with friends of like
  persuasion outside of work?

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5. Linked Opinions political

• Do you agree with the opinions of a large group?
  Do you go with the party line?
• For example Bill Clinton - His party did NOT
  impeach him. They went with the party line
  and supported him. This is a linked opinion.
  You toe the line for personal reasons. Your
  argument can be known by your group!

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Linked Opinions

• When you say Democrat what do you think?
• When you say Republican, what do you think?
• When you say gang member what do you think?

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How to check linked opinions

• Ask yourself where is the proof??

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6. Considered Opinions

• These are the opinions you are striving for, due
  to being an educated person.
• These are opinions derived from research,
  thought, judgment, and solid information. These
  are what I want you to have.

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Considered Opinions

• Some people who offer opinions cannot give ONE
  piece of solid evidence or strong reasoning to
  back themselves up.
• You will be more persuasive in your opinion if
  you have at least THREE pieces of information to
  back up your opinion.

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Weight of evidence

• You will be more persuasive in your opinion if
  you use reasons, facts or other evidence
• i.e. Bill Clinton should have been impeached due
  to lying to the American People, for lying to a
  grand jury, and for having disgraced the Office
  of the President.

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Weight of evidence

• Mc Donalds has the best food value in town
• Their burgers are 1.00 on Mondays
• The food is tasty and is filling
• The food is served hot
• The service is good and quick

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Weight of Evidence

• Your opinion on any matter derives from time,
  experience, belief, and discussion.
• At all times, you SHOULD have some information to
  back up your opinion.
• If you repeat information without checking it out
  you are not an informed, educated student!

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Test Yourself Add to earlier Quiz

• 5. FAA investigators stated that the crash of
  TWA flight 109 was caused by faulty landing gear
  and not pilot error based on the evidence that
  was recovered. (fact / opinion?)
• 6. President Clinton's visit to China will
  improve international relations. (fact /
  opinion?)

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Test Yourself

• 7. Corporal punishment is the most effective
  method in preventing crime. (fact / opinion?)
• 8. Seatbelts can help prevent fatalities. (fact
  / opinion?)

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Final check

• When you opine, do you have facts or
  substantial information to back up your opinion,
  or do you react strictly from emotion?
• Do you lose control and call others names or
  swear at them because YOU dont have information
  to counter their arguments?

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Topics of Controversy

• What is your opinion on these topics?
• War in Iraq
• Abortion
• Underage drinking
• Smoking
• Drug use
• President Bush

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Lab Assignment Prepare an oral report to be
given in class Nov.10

• Your job is to pick a topic and then take a stand
  for or against. Do research and prepare an oral
  report of no more than 5 minutes, citing your
  opinion, backed up by three pieces of relevant
  information that supports your opinion on the
  subject.
• You need at least 3 sources of support to have
  enough weight to back up your opinion.

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Oral report

• You must have at least three pieces of evidence
  to back up your opinion.
• You must practice your oral presentation so you
  are comfortable in front of the class.
• You must KNOW your stuff. You may NOT read
  from the paper. You MUST talk to the class, not
  read to them.

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Oral report

• You may use the board, charts, or any type of
  visual as you speak.
• You must be prepared.
• You will receive two grades one from the class
  and one from the instructor on your presentation.
• Remember, Practice makes perfect!

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Be informed! Read, Research, Speak to others,
and think!
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Questions?

• See your instructor.