FACT AND OPINION

Learning the difference between

fact and opinion.
FACT AND OPINION

Do you know the difference

when you read?
What is a fact?

A fact is something that is

true about a subject and
can be tested or proven.
Facts often contain
numbers, dates, or ages
 We can check facts by
conducting some sort of
experiment, observation, or by
verifying (checking) the fact
with a source document
 Facts might include specific
information about a person,
place or thing
You are a student in this class.

Is this a fact? Can we

prove you are a student by
checking your registration,
the tuition you paid and my
roll sheet?
What is an opinion?

An opinion is what

someone thinks or believes
is true about a subject .
Opinions have value words
– best, worst, fabulous,
etc.
 Clue words for opinion
statements are:
 think, feel, believe, seem

 always, never, all, none,

most, least, best, greatest,
worst
Is it truly a fact?

 Opinions often are disguised as facts

with words like…..
 Will = it will rain tomorrow.
 May = The stock market may rise by
January.
 Should = It is a fact that due to cheating,
students should be failed in the class.
Can you tell the difference? Fact or
Opinion?

1. Union officials told

the press that if the
teachers did not receive
a pay raise, then there
would be a strike.
 Opinion - due to the words, “would be”
indicating the future.
 2. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a
significant factor in helping to bring the
United States into WW II.
Was it a fact? Was it an opinion?

 Ask yourself – can it be proven with

documents, testimony, etc.

 If so, it is a fact!
HINTS FOR DECIDING IF A
STATEMENT IS FACT OR OPINION

 To recognize a FACT:
 Read each answer choice and ask yourself:
 “Can this statement be proved?”
Example: Which of these is a fact?
A. We live in the best apartment in the city.
B. I believe that summer is the best season.
C. I think that spaghetti is a delicious meal.
D. The Poughkeepsie Journal is a newspaper.
HINTS FOR DECIDING IF A
STATEMENT IS FACT OR OPINION

 To recognize an OPINION:
 Read each answer choice and ask
yourself “Does this statement tell what
someone thinks, feels, or believes?”
 Look in the answer choice for clue words
that signal an opinion
OPINION EXAMPLES:

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS NOT

AN OPINION STATEMENT?
 I think that Colorado is the best state in
which to live.
 Chocolate cake is the most delicious
kind of dessert.
 Nearly 65% of our teens are over-weight.
 Taylor Swift is the greatest singer ever!
Let’s see how you do:

 1. The Titanic was the grandest passenger ship ever

constructed. (fact / opinion?)

 2. The white in the American flag represents purity

and innocence; the red, hardiness and valor; the blue,
vigilance, perseverance and justice; the stars, stand
for each state in the union. (fact / opinion)
More practice!

 3. Prof. Leary failed 70% of his class

because they couldn't distinguish
between facts and opinions! (fact /
opinion?)

 4. Marilyn Monroe died in her home at

the age of 36. (fact / opinion?)
Weight of evidence

You will be more

persuasive in your
opinion if you use
reasons, facts or other
evidence:
Weight of evidence

 Mc Donald’s has the best food value in

town:
 Their burgers are $1.00 on Mondays
 The food is “tasty” and is filling
 The food is served hot
 The service is good and quick
Weight of Evidence

 Your opinion on any matter derives from

time, experience, belief, and discussion.
 At all times, you SHOULD have some
information to back up your opinion.
 If you repeat information without
checking it out – you are not an
informed, educated student!
Final check:

 When you opine, do you have “facts” or

substantial information to back up your
opinion, or do you react strictly from
emotion?
 Do you lose control and call others
names or swear at them because YOU
don’t have information to counter their
arguments?
Topic of Controversy

 What is your opinion on this topic?

 Chiong sisters’ case

Prepare an oral report to be given in
class
 Your job is to take a stand – for or against. Do
research and prepare an oral report of no
more than 5 minutes, citing your opinion,
backed up by three pieces of relevant
information that supports your opinion on the
subject.
You need at least 3 sources of support to have
enough weight to back up your opinion.
Oral report

 You must have at least three pieces of

evidence to back up your opinion.
 You must practice your oral presentation
so you are comfortable in front of the
class.
 You must KNOW your “stuff.” You may
NOT read from the paper. You MUST
talk to the class, not read to them.
Oral report

 You may use the board, charts, or any

type of visual as you speak.
 You must be prepared.
 Remember, Practice makes perfect!
When you’re writing….

Remember:

Facts are often used to support opinions

Good opinions are based on facts,

but they are still opinions
Be informed! Read, Research,
Speak to others, and think!