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Opinion and Evidence, Concrete and Abstract

An opinion is what someone thinks. Evidence (a reason plus proof) is what holds it up, and it must truly connect to the opinion. Concrete means a real thing you can see, touch or count. Abstract means a general idea, like "nature" or "fairness". Good readers and writers move up and down this ladder: from examples to the general idea, and back to examples.

🎬 Step-by-step story

  1. An opinion is what a person thinks. "Our school should plant trees." Alone, it floats.
  2. Evidence holds it up: a reason and a proof, joined by "because".
  3. Check the link. Evidence must touch the opinion. A true fact that does not connect does not help.
  4. Concrete means a real thing: this neem, that mango, three banyans. You can see and count them.
  5. Abstract means a general idea. Neem, mango, banyan become "tree", and "tree" becomes "nature". Go up for the idea, down for an example.
  6. Free play: move up and down the ladder and add pieces of evidence. When does the opinion stand?

Tip: drag the 3D scene to turn it. Use two fingers to zoom.

🤔 Common doubts, cleared

Is an opinion bad?

No. Opinions are normal. They become strong when you support them with evidence.

How much evidence is enough?

Two connected pieces usually keep the opinion standing. Check in free play.

Why is a true but unrelated fact not helpful?

Because it does not touch the opinion. See the red pillar standing away from the plank.

Can a word be both concrete and abstract?

It depends on the level. "Tree" is more abstract than "this neem" and more concrete than "nature".

How do I explain an abstract idea?

Go down the ladder and give an example you can see or count.

Opinion and evidence

An opinion is what someone thinks or feels is right: "Homework should be short." A fact can be checked; an opinion is a view that people may share or not.

To make others believe an opinion, give evidence: a reason (why you think so) and a proof (a fact, number or example). Join them with because.

Check the link

Ask: "Does this evidence really show that my opinion is right?" If the answer is no, the evidence is off-topic, even if it is true.

Concrete and abstract

Concrete words name things you can see, touch, hear or count: neem tree, 28 degrees, a red bus.

Abstract words name ideas, feelings or groups: nature, fairness, comfort, transport.

One idea can sit on several levels. Neem (concrete) is a kind of tree (middle), and trees belong to nature (abstract).

Going up and down the ladder

A clear text uses both. Only abstract words feel foggy. Only examples feel like a list with no point.

Putting both together

Strong evidence is usually concrete: a number, a name, an example. A strong opinion is usually abstract enough to cover those examples. Write the opinion, then support it with two concrete pieces of evidence and a "because".

Try it

Pick an opinion about your school. Write two concrete examples as evidence. Then write one abstract sentence that sums them up. Swap with a friend and check the link.

Key formulas and definitions

Worked examples

1. Sort into concrete or abstract: pencil, honesty, 12 students, freedom.

Concrete: pencil, 12 students. Abstract: honesty, freedom.

2. Opinion: "Cycling is good for students." Which is better evidence: "Cycles are blue" or "Ten cyclists in our class reached school 5 minutes earlier"?

The second. It is concrete and connects to the opinion. "Cycles are blue" is true but does not support it.

3. Climb up the ladder for: sparrow, crow, pigeon.

Bird (middle level), then animal or living thing (more abstract).

Common mistakes

Practice quiz

1. Which can be checked, so it is a fact?
2. Which is abstract?
3. Evidence should be:
4. Going down the ladder means:
5. Which word joins an opinion to its reason?

Practice: answer these yourself

Type or choose your answer, then press Check. Use a hint if you are stuck; the full solution appears after you answer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between fact and opinion?

A fact can be checked and shown true or false. An opinion is what someone thinks or feels, and people can disagree.

What are concrete and abstract words?

Concrete words name real things you can see, touch or count. Abstract words name ideas or feelings, such as freedom or comfort.

How do I support an opinion?

Give a reason and a proof (fact, number or example), join them with because, and check that the proof truly connects to the opinion.

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