5 Tips to Identify Subjective Statements

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Deciphering which sentence is the most subjective statement can be a bit of an art form. It requires a keen eye and a knack for recognizing elements that reveal sentiment, bias, or personal perspective. But don't worry, with a dash of practice and a sprinkle of knowledge, you'll be a pro in no time. Let's dive into the first tip to get you started on your journey to becoming a subjective statement sleuth!

Tip 1: Observe the Language

Language is a powerful tool. It can reveal a lot about the speaker or writer, including their personal biases and opinions. So, when you're trying to identify the most subjective statement, the language used is your first clue.

Look for Opinionated Words

One of the most straightforward ways to spot a subjective statement is by looking for words that indicate an opinion. Words like "best," "worst," "beautiful," or "ugly" signal that the speaker is expressing a personal viewpoint. For example, if a sentence reads, "I think chocolate is the best dessert," it's clear that this is a subjective statement. After all, not everyone agrees that chocolate is the best dessert—some might prefer fruit, ice cream, or even a cheese board!

Identify Emotional Language

Emotions can heavily influence our viewpoints. So, when a sentence is laden with emotional language, it's often a sign of subjectivity. Look for words that express strong emotions—like "love," "hate," "excited," or "disgusted." If someone says, "I love New York City in the spring," that's a subjective statement. Why? Because not everyone shares the same affection for NYC or the spring season. Some people might prefer the quiet serenity of a rural area or the crispness of a fall day.

Recognize Personal Pronouns

Personal pronouns like "I," "me," "we," and "our" can also signal subjectivity. When someone uses these pronouns, they're often expressing a personal viewpoint. For instance, if a sentence reads, "In my experience, morning workouts are more effective," it's a subjective statement because it's based on the speaker's personal experience, not on objective data or research. Remember, just because it's true for one person doesn't mean it's true for everyone!

Observing the language used is a solid first step in determining which sentence is the most subjective statement. But, let's not stop here! There's more to explore in our quest to master the art of identifying subjective statements.

Tip 2: Check the Source

Once you've examined the language, it's time to consider the source. Knowing where a statement comes from can provide valuable context and help you determine how subjective it might be. Let's break this down.

Establish the Credibility

Ever heard the phrase "consider the source?" It's a wise piece of advice, especially when you're trying to identify subjective statements. A credible source is more likely to provide objective information. For instance, a statement from NASA about the properties of a newly discovered planet is likely to be more objective than a statement from a sci-fi enthusiast who has never studied astronomy. So, always check the credibility of the source.

Determine the Author

Knowing who authored a statement can also help determine its subjectivity. Individuals often bring their own biases and experiences to the table. For example, a statement about climate change from an environmental scientist is likely to be less subjective than one from a politician with a vested interest in certain policies. So, don't forget to consider the author when deciding which sentence is the most subjective statement.

Evaluate the Context

Context is key. It's important to understand the circumstances surrounding a statement. For instance, a comment made in a heated political debate may be more subjective than one made in a calm, academic discussion. Even timing can affect subjectivity—a statement made in the heat of the moment may be more subjective than one made after careful consideration. Always remember to factor in the context when you're evaluating subjectivity.

Checking the source is an important step in your journey to mastering the identification of subjective statements. But don't rest on your laurels just yet—there's more to learn!

Tip 3: Ponder the Purpose

Let's move on to the next step in our quest to identify the most subjective statements: pondering the purpose. Why was the statement made? What does the author want to achieve? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you gauge the level of subjectivity. Let's dive right in!

Identify the Intent

First off, try to identify the intent behind the statement. If the intent is to inform or educate, the statement is likely to be more objective. On the other hand, if the intent is to persuade or influence, the statement may be more subjective. For example, a statement like "Pizza is the most delicious food on the planet" is clearly intended to express a personal preference, making it a subjective statement.

Look for Persuasive Elements

Next, check for persuasive elements. These can often be a tell-tale sign of subjectivity. For instance, emotional appeals, exaggerations, and sweeping generalizations can all indicate a subjective statement. If you see phrases like "everyone knows," "obviously," or "without a doubt," you might be looking at a subjective statement.

Assess the Audience

Finally, consider the audience. Who is the statement intended for? A statement aimed at a specific group may cater to the beliefs and biases of that group, making it more subjective. For instance, a statement made in a political rally is likely to be more subjective than one made in a neutral setting.

Remember, the purpose of a statement can tell you a lot about its level of subjectivity. By pondering the purpose, you'll be one step closer to determining which sentence is the most subjective statement.

Tip 4: Analyze the Evidence

Alright, time to put on your detective hat! We're moving on to our fourth tip for identifying subjective statements: analyzing the evidence. This involves critically examining the facts, data, or information that's used to support the statement. Let's get started, shall we?

Evaluate the Reliability of Evidence

First, check the reliability of the evidence. Is the source trustworthy? Is the data up-to-date? Can the information be verified? If the answer to any of these questions is 'no', take the statement with a pinch of salt. For example, if someone claims that "New York is the largest city in the world" without providing any reliable evidence, you might question the validity of that statement.

Check for Bias

Next, check for bias. Bias can heavily influence a statement, making it more subjective. Look for any signs of favoritism, prejudice, or one-sidedness. If the evidence seems to favor one perspective over another, the statement might be subjective. For instance, a statement like "Apple computers are superior to all other brands" could be biased, especially if the evidence only highlights the positives of Apple and ignores the strengths of other brands.

Consider the Counterarguments

Lastly, consider the counterarguments. A balanced statement should acknowledge different viewpoints. If a statement dismisses or ignores counterarguments, it could be subjective. For example, a statement that says "There is no better vacation destination than Hawaii" might not consider other popular vacation spots, making it a subjective claim.

By analyzing the evidence, you can discern the level of subjectivity in a statement. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be well-equipped to identify which sentence is the most subjective statement. Let's keep going!

Tip 5: Apply Your Own Critical Thinking

Moving on to our final tip: applying your own critical thinking. This is where you use your noggin to question, analyze, and interpret the statement. Let's dive in!

Question the Claims

Start by questioning the claims made in the statement. Ask yourself: Is this claim supported by solid evidence? Does it make sense? Is it logical? For instance, if a statement claims that "Seattle is the sunniest city in Washington," you might want to question it, especially if you know that Seattle is known for its rainy weather.

Reflect on Your Own Assumptions

Next, reflect on your own assumptions. We all have biases that can affect our perception of subjectivity. Try to set these aside and approach the statement with an open mind. For example, if you're a big fan of Tesla, you might be inclined to agree with a statement that says "Tesla makes the best electric cars." But try to look at it objectively—other companies like Nissan and Chevrolet also make great electric cars.

Engage in Discussion

Lastly, engage in discussion. Talk to others about the statement, listen to their viewpoints, and consider their perspectives. This can help you gain a more rounded understanding of the statement. Discussion is a great tool for identifying which sentence is the most subjective statement.

And there you have it—five tips to help you identify subjective statements. Remember, the key is to stay curious, ask questions, and keep an open mind. Happy analyzing!

If you're interested in delving deeper into the world of subjective statements and exploring the art of capturing tenderness, check out Cal McIntyre's workshop, "An Exploration Into Capturing Tenderness." This workshop will help you hone your skills and provide you with a greater appreciation for the beauty and emotion that can be found in subjective statements.