Fact vs. Opinion

Fact vs. Opinion

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FACT

A FACT is a statement that can be verified. They can be proven true or false. Statements of fact are objective. They contain information but DO NOT tell what the writer thinks or believes about the topic.

OPINION

An OPINION is a statement that expresses a writer’s feelings, attitudes, or beliefs. They are neither true nor false. They are one person’s view about a topic or issue.

Multiple Choice

Is this a FACT or an OPINION:

"My car payments are too expensive."

• FACT

• OPINION

Multiple Choice

Is this a FACT or an OPINION:

"My car payment is $250 a month."

• FACT

• OPINION

RED FLAG WORDS that you're hearing an OPINION:

• best

• always

• none

• worst

• every

• never

• all

Why is it important to be able to distinguish between FACTS and OPINIONS?

The ability to distinguish between facts and opinions will help you develop your critical and analytical skills in both reading and listening. Facts and opinions are often woven together in texts and speeches. It is therefore imperative that you are able to unravel the threads of what is true from what is mere belief if you are to successfully navigate the deluge of media you will encounter in your lifetime.

Whether on the news, in advertising, or a history book, distinguishing between what is fact and what is opinion is crucial to becoming an autonomous person with the critical abilities necessary to avoid being manipulated easily.

FACTS (Signal Words and Phrases)

• The annual report confirms...

• Scientists have recently discovered…

• According to the results of the tests…

• The investigation demonstrated…

OPINIONS (Signal Words and Phrases)

• He claimed that…

• It is the officer’s view that…

• The report argues that…

• Many scientists suspect that…

Informed Opinion

The opinions of experts are known as informed opinions. As experts in their field, they may make observations and offer comments that are not strictly factual. Instead, they are based on years of study, research, and experience.

"Chimpanzees, more than any other living creature, have helped us to understand that there is no sharp line between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom."

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-Jane Goodall, primate expert and ethologist

Multiple Choice

What book contains only facts, and no opinions?

• A collection of short fiction

• A telephone directory

• A history textbook

• A book about dog grooming

Multiple Choice

What is a synonym for "informed opinion?"

• Political opinion

• Correct opinion

• Strong opinion

• Knowledgeable opinion

Multiple Choice

"David Wright is the best hitter on the Mets. Last year, he led the team in batting average, runs scored, and runs batted in." This is:

• An informed opinion

• An uninformed opinion

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a fact?

• Fred and George are much funnier than Percy.

• JK Rowling is the luckiest person in the world.

• Daniel Radcliffe once guest-starred on "The Simpsons."

• Hermione is the smartest character in the "Harry Potter" books.

Multiple Choice

What role do facts play in the formation of opinions?

• Without facts, you can't have an opinion.

• Facts are backed up by informed opinions.

• Informed opinions are backed up by facts.

• Facts and opinions have nothing to do with one another.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an informed opinion?

• Many sharks give birth to live young.

• Sharks' strong jaws and sharp senses make them fearsome predators.

• Shark documentaries are the most informative programs on television.

• The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean.

Multiple Choice

In support of a young politician, one blogger writes that she's "youthful." What word might another blogger use to call attention to her age in a negative way?

• Old

• Immature

• Young

• Energetic

Multiple Choice

Who is likely to offer the most informed opinion about the history of the Eiffel Tower?

• The President of France

• A construction worker who helps build towers

• A tourist who's just visited Paris

• A professor of French architecture

Multiple Choice

If you were a news editor, how might you slant coverage against a war your country is fighting?

• By reporting mostly on defeats, and ignoring successes.

• By interviewing top generals.

• By reporting on what life is like for the soldiers.

• By reporting the number of people injured in battle.