Reading and Writing Skills

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Formulating assertions and counterclaims

Formulating assertions and counterclaims

At the end of the module, the student is expected to:

1. Explain critical reading as reasoning
2. Formulates evaluative statements about a text read
a. Formulate assertions about the content and properties of a text
read
b. Formulate meaningful counterclaims in response to claims made in
a text read
3. Determine textual evidence to validate assertions
and counterclaims made about a text read

Assertions
A way to convince a critical reader to accept the writer’s claim is to formulate
assertions. Assertions, as defined by Tiongson (2016), are “declarative
sentences that claim something is true about something else.”
These sentences may either be statements of truths or opinions.
There are four common types of assertion enumerated by Tiongson. These
are the following:
1. Fact – a claim or statement which can produce objective proof/evidence
through direct experience, testimonies of witnesses, verified observations
or results of research. Since this type of assertion can be easily checked
through consulting various sources, people usually agree on the truth it
provides.
2. Convention – this is referred to as “a way in which something is done,
similar to traditions or norms.” These assertions solely rely on existing
laws, rules, usage, customs and historical precedent available. Unlike
facts, there are differing interpretations on varying beliefs, thus verifying
the truth convention assertions can be crucial. Often, these statements
are said to sound “factual” primarily because the truth of it depends on
what is socially accepted.
3. Opinion – statements such as this one are based on facts. While facts can
be proven to be objective, opinions are hard to prove as this would have
to rely on reliable and sound proofs. Tiongson said, “The more ambiguous
an opinion is, the more difficult it is to verify.” These statements
commonly leave room for discussion and disputes.

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 4. Preference – while opinion is based on facts, preference relies on
personal choice. These are completely subjective assertions that cannot
be objectively proven.
In writing believable assertions, you must need to take note of the following
tips:
- Be knowledgeable. Instinct alone does not yield effective evidence and
support to the claim. In order to make the reader believe in what you’re
trying to stand up for, examine the topic thoroughly. Explore both sides of
the topic, research as much information as you can.
- Back it all up. To make your assertion stable and solid, it must have
strong foundations in the form of research findings. Be careful and leave
out any irrelevant evidence referenced in the text to avoid confusion for
the readers.
- Be clear and concise. Get straight to the facts. Let them know what you
want them to know and present them complete with supporting details to
your claim/s.

Counterclaims
A critical reader does not only focus on claim after claim of a written text.
Analyzing an argument must also involve the understanding of the evidence
presented by the writer as well as its counterclaims.
Counterclaims, as defined by Tiongson (2016), are “claims made to rebut a
previous claim.” This point of view is in contrast to previous claims made by
the author.
According to the same writer, it takes familiarity of the topic being discussed
in the text as one of the ways to spot the counterclaims of the writer. In order
to present objectivity, the writer must be aware of the counterclaims to
his/her claims. Considering the other side of the argument may help you
identify the weaknesses and strengths of your claim, giving you the leeway to
open more details to make the reader believe.
The counterclaims in the text are usually presented in a straightforward way.
After spotting these statements, you, as a reader or writer, can clearly define
your position in a particular topic.
Tiongson gave the following questions that can help one formulate a
counterclaim:
- What are the major points on which you and the author can disagree?
- What is their strongest argument? What did they say to defend their
position?
- What are the merits of their view?
- What are the weaknesses or shortcomings in their argument?
- Are there any hidden assumptions?
- Which lines form the text best support the counterclaim you have
formulated?

References
Assertiveness. Retrieved from: https://cmhc.utexas.edu/assertiveness4.html
 Reading and Writing Skills
3
Formulating assertions and counterclaims

How to write assertions. Retrieved from: http://www.formatically.com/how-

to-write-assertions/
Counterclaims, perspectives and implications. Retrieved from:
http://www.theoryofknowledge.net/tok-essay/counterclaims-
perspectives-and-implications/

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