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!
