Learning Intentions In this section you will … ✓ Explore the distinctions between fact and opinion. ✓ Read and respond to the poem He Tells Her by Wendy Cope.
BEING CREATIVE MANAGING INFORMATION AND THINKING Before Reading
People argue a lot! From families and friends to TV news, newspapers and social media. In many cases, those arguing use a mix of fact and opinion. Working with a partner: (a) Decide on your definition of a fact and an opinion. (b) Compare your definitions across the class. (c) Decide whether each of the following statements is either a fact or an opinion. Be prepared to defend your decision. n Soccer is a better sport than hurling. n Ballon is a village in County Carlow. n Junk food should be banned from schools. n Parents should be kind to their children.
WORKING WITH OTHERS NUMERACY STAYING WELL 00 Reading
The following poem is about an argument between two people. 1. First, listen to the poem being read by your teacher. 2. Next, read it silently to yourself.
He Tells Her By Wendy Cope
He tells her that the earth is flat – He knows the facts, and that is that. In altercations fierce and long She tries her best to prove him wrong. But he has learned to argue well. He calls her arguments unsound And often asks her not to yell. She cannot win. He stands his ground.
The planet goes on being round.
Vocabulary
altercation: (noun) a noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public.
