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Module 2

This document provides an overview of assertions and different types of assertions. It defines an assertion as a strong, positive statement of belief, even if not proven true. There are three types of assertions discussed: basic assertions simply state opinions or beliefs, emphatic assertions convey sympathy for another's perspective, and escalating assertions occur when someone insists on their view. Examples of assertions in literature are then provided from Animal Farm, Pride and Prejudice, and Othello. The functions of assertion are to present ideas as indisputable facts and defend others' feelings or rights. Finally, students are assigned a writing activity to compose assertions about Emma Watson's speech on gender equality at the UN.

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Lila Kyst
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66 views

Module 2

This document provides an overview of assertions and different types of assertions. It defines an assertion as a strong, positive statement of belief, even if not proven true. There are three types of assertions discussed: basic assertions simply state opinions or beliefs, emphatic assertions convey sympathy for another's perspective, and escalating assertions occur when someone insists on their view. Examples of assertions in literature are then provided from Animal Farm, Pride and Prejudice, and Othello. The functions of assertion are to present ideas as indisputable facts and defend others' feelings or rights. Finally, students are assigned a writing activity to compose assertions about Emma Watson's speech on gender equality at the UN.

Uploaded by

Lila Kyst
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson 1: Formulating Assertions

Assertion - the act of asserting or something that is asserted: such as an insistent and positive affirming,
maintaining, or defending (as of a right or attribute)
- When someone makes a statement investing his strong belief in it, as if it is true, though it may not be, he
is making an assertion.
- A stylistic approach or technique involving a strong declaration, a forceful or confident and positive
statement regarding a belief or a fact.

Types of Assertion:

1. Basic Assertion
 It is simple and straightforward statement for expressing feelings, opinions, and beliefs such as:
 “I wish I could have expressed this idea earlier, because now someone else has taken the credit”.
 “Excuse me, first I want to finish my work, then I shall go with you.”

2. Emphatic Assertion
 It conveys sympathy to someone, and usually has two parts: the first encompasses recognition of the
feelings or situations of the other person, and the second is a statement that shows support for the other
person’s viewpoint, feelings, or right such as:
 “I understand you are busy, and me too, but it is difficult for me to finish this project on my own. So, I
want you to help me complete this project.”
 “I know this is making you angry and frustrated because you have not gotten a response yet. But I can
help you by giving you an estimate of how long it might take.”

3. Escalating Assertion
 It occurs when someone is not able to give a response to a person’s basic assertion, and therefore that
person becomes firm about him of her such as:
 “When you speak harshly, I cannot work with you because I feel annoyed. Therefore, I want you to speak
nicely and then assign me a task.”
 “When I don’t get enough sleep, it affects my nerves and I feel irritated. Therefore, I try to go to bed
earlier.

Examples of Assertion in Literature

1. Animal Farm (By George Orwell)


In Animal Farm, pigs make use of assertion as a tool for making propaganda in the entire novel. This
is to weaken the position of the other animals, preventing contradiction with their rules and leadership. In
chapter seven, Squeler informs other animals that they need not sing the original anthem of the Old Major,
Beasts of
England – a song they used to inspire the revolution in chapter 1. Squeler asserts, saying:
“It’s no longer needed, comrade.. Beasts if England we expressed our longing for a better society has
now been established. Clearly this song has no longer any purpose.”
Look at his language where he gives them information that is obvious, which they have realized already, and
no one can make arguments against it. Thus, no one argued against his assertion.

2. Pride and Prejudice (By Jane Austen)


Elizabeth conceals her surprise at the news of Darcy’s plan to marry her. When Lady Catherine
objects to this marriage, as Bennets have low connections and their marriage would ruin Darcy’s position
before his friends and society, Elizabeth attempts to defend her family background by asserting:
“ I am a gentleman’s daughter”.
In fact, she sets herself free from the exasperating control of snobs like Miss Bingley, Mr. Collins,
and Lady Catherine, and declares: “I am … resolved.”

3. Othello (By William Shakespeare)


Desdemona: “I never did offend you in my life, never loved Cassio. But with such general warranty
of heaven, as might love. I never gave him token.”
In these lines, Desdemona makes a dying assertion that she is innocent, denying Othello’s
accusations. However, blinded by emotion and furious, Othello is resolved to kill her.

Functions of Assertion
 The function of assertion is to let readers to feel they should not disagree or dispute what they read or
hear, rather they should accept the idea or notion as an indisputable fact.
 It has proved to be one of the best approaches for writers to express their personal feelings, beliefs, and
idea in a direct way.
 By using this technique, writers can defend other’s feelings and rights if violated.

Let’s Do This

 Writing Activity. Instructions: Compose at least 3-paragraph assertion on Emma Watson’s Speech on
Gender Equality at the UN. Highlight an assertion about the content, the claims in her speech, and the
properties of a well-written text.
 To be written in a one whole sheet of yellow paper.

"I was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women 6 months ago. The more I spoke about
feminism, the more I realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-
hating. If there is one thing I know for certain is that this has to stop. For the record, feminism by definition
is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of political,
economic and social equality of the sexes.
When I was 8, I was called bossy because I wanted to direct a play we would put on for our parents.
When at 14, I started to be sexualized by certain elements of the media. At 15, my girlfriends started
dropping out of sports teams because they didn’t want to appear masculine. At 18, my male friends were
unable to express their feelings. I decided that I was a feminist. This seemed uncomplicated to me. But my
recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Women are choosing not to
identify as feminists. Apparently, [women’s expression is] seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, and
anti-men, unattractive even…
Men, I would like to give this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your
issue, too. Because to date, I’ve seen my father’s role as a parent being valued less by society. I’ve seen
young men suffering from mental illness, unable to ask for help for fear it would make them less of a man.
In fact, in the UK, suicide is the biggest killer of men between 20 to 49, eclipsing road accidents, cancer, and
heart disease. I’ve seen men fragile and insecure by what constitutes male success. Men don’t have the
benefits of equality, either... If you believe in equality, you might be one of the inadvertent feminists I spoke
of earlier and for this I applaud you. We must strive for a united world but the good news is we have a
platform. It is called HeForShe. I invite you to step forward, to be seen and I ask yourself: if not me, who? If
not now, when?
Thank you."
Rubric for Grading

Criteria Poor (3 points) Fair (7 points) Good (10 points)

Prompt Prompt was not Prompt was mostly Prompt was clearly
understood understood and addressed understood and all the
aspects of the prompt were
addressed.

Argument Argument is weak or Argument is not as strong as a Clearly defended,


flawed. No consideration good response. Evidence is challenged or qualified with
of the claim. not as convincing as a higher appropriate and convincing
response. evidence.

Arrangement Little or no thought is An attempt is made to Stylistic elements are used


and Style given to arrangement incorporate stylistic elements to create a more convincing
and/or there are no and/or some thought is given argument. Thought is given
stylistic element is used. to the arrangement somewhat to the arrangement of the
adds to the overall argument and the
effectiveness of the argument. arrangement adds to the
overall effectiveness of the
argument.

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