Modality Subjectivity Objectivity Subjective vs Objective Claims Objective

Modality Subjectivity & Objectivity

Subjective vs Objective Claims Objective claims are based on fact. • There IS a truth value (either true or false). • There IS a way to determine whether they are true or false. • If two people disagree, one of them is wrong. Subjective claims are based on personal opinion. • There is NO truth value (neither true nor false) • There is NO way to determine whether they are true or false. • If two people disagree they could both be right (people have different tastes, perspectives, preferences)

Subjective vs Objective • This dog is wearing a unicorn costume. • This dog is adorable.

Subjective vs Objective • This jar contains 1. 53 kilos of skittles • Red skittles taste better than yellow skittles

Subjective vs Objective • Classical music is better than jazz. • Classical music boosts brain function.

Which is more convincing? Both can be! Use a mixture of subjective and objective claims to persuade. • Oranges have high levels of vitamin C. • Oranges are delicious. • Oranges are high in vitamin C, and I think they’re delicious!

Exercise: using subjectivity and objectivity 1. Decide whether each statement is subjective or objective. 2. Add the other type of statement. EXAMPLE: “Reptiles are cold blooded. ” (objective) ADD: a subjective statement. “Reptiles are cold blooded and incredibly creepy. ” • School uniforms are required at this school, and they are ugly. (subjective) • Tennis improves hand-eye coordination, but isn’t as fun as soccer. (objective) • A university education is an excellent thing to have, and it is the only way to get a good job. (objective) • The bushfires are not that bad, but they are currently burning north of Gawler. (objective) • Going to the beach is more fun than skiing, but skiing builds more muscle. (subjective). • Too much screen time decreases attention span (objective), but it’s a fun hobby.

Modality Modal words are words which express different levels of certainty. • HIGH MODALITY words are used when the writer/speaker is sure. • E. g. must, will, definitely, absolutely. • MEDIUM MODALITY words are used when the writer/speaker is fairly sure. • E. g. can, should, probably, likely. • LOW MODALITY words are used when the writer/speaker is unsure. • E. g. might, possibly, may, sometimes

Modality High modality words or phrases are often used in persuasive writing because they sound authoritative. They imply that the writer has proof, experience, or a reason to be so sure. Compare: • Participating in competitive sports might be beneficial. • Participating in competitive sports is probably beneficial. • Participating in competitive sports is unquestionably beneficial.

High modality – USE CAUTION High modality can be LESS convincing if you don’t back it up with proof. Extreme statements or broad generalisations are easy to disprove, especially if they are subjective. Compare: • All people who deny climate change are uneducated. • Many people who deny climate change are uneducated on the science surrounding the topic.

EXERCISE: Sort words by modality • Create a table with 3 columns. Sort the following words into low, medium or high modality. Low certainly doubtful can tends to total surely might Medium constantly may not always never continually could require must in some cases permanently usually completely probably extremely High essential frequently absolutely should regularly might not rarely ought unquestionably clearly unlikely mostly

Connotations – Loaded Words As well as their literal meaning, many words have an implication or a connotation. An idea or feeling comes to mind when most people hear it. It can be positive or negative. Negative Neutral Positive Skinny, underweight, bony Thin, lean, low body mass Slender, slim, Bossy, domineering, pushy Firm, in control Assertive, leader, confident Weird, bizarre, strange Unusual, surprising, uncommon Extraordinary, amazing, remarkable

Connotation - clip

EXERCISE – Word sort 1. Sort these words into subject groups (should be 4 in each). 2. Within the groups, arrange them in order from positive to negative. Plain Falsehood Druggie Prisoner Inebriated Tipsy Drunk Wasted Inmate Elderly Fib Mature Untruth Addict Detainee Offender Drug fiend Filthy lie Ugly Substance abuser Unattractive Old Ancient Hideous

Sorted negative neutral Plain Unattractive Ugly Hideous Inebriated Tipsy Drunk Wasted Mature Elderly Old Ancient Substance abuser Addict Druggie Drug fiend Detainee Inmate Offender Prisoner Falsehood Fib Untruth Filthy lie