Again, the class started arguing about the correct answer. The teacher requested the students to calm down and said, “For the last two questions everyone had a different answer. Some students even started arguing about the correct answer. Do you think there can be a correct answer for these questions?............. No, there cannot be because these answers are based on personal opinions. When we express our views, we should know the difference between facts and opinions. Nobody can deny a fact because it can be proved right or wrong. But everyone has the right to differ in opinion and share their opinions. So Rami, have I answered your question now?’’ Rami just smiled back and nodded.
Fela was listening to his teacher very carefully. He asked, “Ma’am does this mean that facts are more important and not opinions?’’ The teacher replied, “That’s a very good question Fela. Facts as well as opinions are important based on the situation. Can you think of an example and tell me when to rely on facts and when to rely on opinions? Try, you can do it.’’
Fela thought for a while and said, “Oh yes, when I have to travel to a new place I check all the facts related to it. The distance, weather, time needed for traveling etc. But when I have to buy a new shirt I ask for my mother’s opinion because she is able to tell me whether that colour and style suits me or not.’’
“That was a good example Fela!’’ said the teacher and left the classroom as the school bell rang.
Rina and Zika were excited to read the story. Rina said “Now that I understand the difference between fact and opinion, lot of things make sense to me”. “Yes”, said Zika, “Remember the fight we had about whose school is better- yours or mine, we were so sure that each of us was right, but we were only going by our opinions.” Rina laughed, “I guess my school is best for me and your school is best for you. But the time when we were fighting about who would make the best student club head- I think we could have tried to get more facts about the candidates instead of just going by our opinions”. Zika said “You are right Rina, I think we are lazy sometimes to get the facts and look at the matter objectively”.
Have you also ignored facts at times and gone by opinion? Or seen your friends doing this? Have a discussion with your friends on this, or write in a journal.
Again, the class started arguing about the correct answer. The teacher requested the students to calm down and said, “For the last two questions everyone had a different answer. Some students even started arguing about the correct answer. Do you think there can be a correct answer for these questions?............. No, there cannot be because these answers are based on personal opinions. When we express our views, we should know the difference between facts and opinions. Nobody can deny a fact because it can be proved right or wrong. But everyone has the right to differ in opinion and share their opinions. So Rami, have I answered your question now?’’ Rami just smiled back and nodded.
Fela was listening to his teacher very carefully. He asked, “Ma’am does this mean that facts are more important and not opinions?’’ The teacher replied, “That’s a very good question Fela. Facts as well as opinions are important based on the situation. Can you think of an example and tell me when to rely on facts and when to rely on opinions? Try, you can do it.’’
Fela thought for a while and said, “Oh yes, when I have to travel to a new place I check all the facts related to it. The distance, weather, time needed for traveling etc. But when I have to buy a new shirt I ask for my mother’s opinion because she is able to tell me whether that colour and style suits me or not.’’
“That was a good example Fela!’’ said the teacher and left the classroom as the school bell rang.
Rina and Zika were excited to read the story. Rina said “Now that I understand the difference between fact and opinion, lot of things make sense to me”. “Yes”, said Zika, “Remember the fight we had about whose school is better- yours or mine, we were so sure that each of us was right, but we were only going by our opinions.” Rina laughed, “I guess my school is best for me and your school is best for you. But the time when we were fighting about who would make the best student club head- I think we could have tried to get more facts about the candidates instead of just going by our opinions”. Zika said “You are right Rina, I think we are lazy sometimes to get the facts and look at the matter objectively”.
Have you also ignored facts at times and gone by opinion? Or seen your friends doing this? Have a discussion with your friends on this, or write in a journal.