Strong opinions can be useful, but they become weak when they are not supported by strong evidence. Notably, people often speak with certainty when they feel strongly about an issue, a product, a decision, or another person’s behavior. Presumably, that certainty comes from experience, observation, or emotion. However, a strong feeling does not automatically create a strong argument. Consequently, listeners need to ask what evidence supports the opinion. Is the person relying on facts, repeated examples, careful reasoning, or only a personal reaction? An opinion may be honest and still be incomplete. It may sound convincing because the speaker is passionate, but passion alone does not substantiate the claim.

Arguably, the strongest opinions are the ones that can survive questions. A person should be able to explain what led to the opinion, what evidence supports it, and what limits should be considered. Furthermore, strong evidence does not mean using only details that agree with the original view. A fair argument also considers information that may complicate the conclusion. Conversely, a weak opinion often avoids those details because they make the argument harder to defend. For example, someone may say a method never works, but they may only be thinking of one bad experience. Someone else may say a tool is always reliable, but they may be ignoring situations where it failed. Specifically, the problem begins when people treat limited evidence as if it proves everything.

Ultimately, strong evidence protects both the speaker and the listener. It keeps the speaker from overstating the claim and helps the listener evaluate the idea more fairly. Nevertheless, evidence does not remove the need for judgment. People can look at the same information and reach different conclusions, especially when they value different outcomes. The goal is not to erase opinion, but to make opinion more responsible. A person can still take a clear stance while admitting what is known, what is uncertain, and what needs more support. Claims and evidence should work together, respectively, so that the opinion is not standing alone. A strong opinion without evidence may get attention quickly, but a strong opinion with evidence is more likely to last.

SPEAK

Answer the questions in complete thoughts. Use evidence from the article when possible.

1. What is the main argument of the article?

2. Why does the article say a strong feeling does not automatically create a strong argument?

3. What does it mean for an opinion to survive questions?

4. How can limited evidence make an opinion weaker?

5. Do you think the article gives a fair view of strong opinions? Explain your answer with support from the reading.

LISTEN

Listen to the recording and respond.

I understand the article, but I think people should be allowed to have strong opinions even when they cannot prove every part of them. Experience matters, and sometimes a person knows something is true because they have seen it happen many times. Not every opinion needs to sound like a formal argument.

• What did the speaker say?

• How do you respond to the speaker’s opinion?

• Use the reading to support your response.

WRITE

Write one strong paragraph explaining this idea and feel free to use the article to support your answer.

• A strong opinion becomes more responsible when it is supported by clear evidence.

VOCABULARY

Review the vocabulary from this reader:

notably · arguably · presumably · consequently · ultimately · nevertheless · furthermore · conversely · specifically · respectively

• Which words are new to you?

• List the new words and write a short meaning or example for each one.