TOPIC
FACTS Vs. OPINIONS
Course: Academic Reading and Writing
Course Code: AA 099
Access Academy
What is fact?
A fact is a statement that can be proven to be true by the use of evidence. Factual
statements are true in all cases and for all people; in other words, facts are
universal.
Some examples include:
● Dogs are mammals.
● Albany is the capital of New York.
● Africa is a continent
● Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth.
Each of these statements is true. Furthermore, each statement is verifiable and
not debatable, provided that definitions are agreed upon.
What is opinion?
Opinions, unlike facts, are neither true nor false. An opinion can express a belief,
attitude, value, judgment, or feeling.
Some examples include:
● Dogs are the best mammals in existence.
● Albany is the most interesting city in New York.
● I think Africa is beautiful.
● World War II was a terrible war.
Each of these statements expresses an opinion. Note that each is debatable.
In other words, one can potentially agree or disagree with (debate) a statement of
opinion.
Fact or Opinion?
To identify if a sentence is an opinion or fact,
ask yourself this question:
“Does this sentence show thoughts, feelings
or beliefs?”
If yes, then it is an OPINION!
“Does this sentence show true information
about someone or something that can be
provenor researched?”
If yes, then is a FACT!
Why is it important to identify facts from
opinions when writing academic papers?
● Facts are important because they are like a sturdy building blocks
of information that we can trust.
● Opinions, on the other hand are less reliable because they are
based on personal beliefs and can be influenced by a variety of
factors, such as emotions, personal experiences, or biases.
● When you know the difference between facts and opinions, it
helps you figure out if a source of information can be trusted or
not.
Fact or Opinion?
Kangaroos have pouches.
Fact or Opinion?
Kangaroos have pouches.
ac t !
F
Fact or Opinion?
Kangaroos are the coolest animals.
Fact or Opinion?
Kangaroos are the coolest animals.
O pi
n i on
!
Fact or Opinion?
Everyone should go see
the elephants at the zoo.
Fact or Opinion?
Everyone should go see
the elephants at the zoo.
O pi ni o
n!
Fact or Opinion?
Some elephants can weigh
15,000 pounds!
Fact or Opinion?
Some elephants can weigh
15,000 pounds!
ac t !
F
Difference between Fact & Opinion
Facts Opinions
Research or evidence confirms May not have evidence to confirm
Reliable and credible source Sources can be debatable
Literature review
Now that we know the differences between a fact and an opinion, it’s important to
know how to distinguish between them when reading literature. Let’s look at some
helpful strategies:
Watch for opinion masked as fact: A lot of times professional or technical language
can seem factual. In particular, you’ll want to watch out for predictions. Predictions
are opinions since they cannot be verified in the present. This is even true if the
prediction is being expressed by an expert with an informed opinion.
FOR EXAMPLE:
According to renowned economist Dr. Smith, the stock market will
definitely crash within the next six months.
Explanation: While Dr. Smith may be an expert the statement
about the stock market crashing is still a prediction, and therefore
an opinion. It cannot be verified in the present moment. Thus,
it's essential to recognize that despite Dr. Smith's expertise, the
statement should be interpreted as an opinion rather than a
fact.
Literature review
Value Judgment words often signal an opinion: “LeBron James is very tall” is a
statement most people would agree with. However, the word very makes this
problematic. What exactly does it mean to be “very tall”? It is not defined. Here is
a list of value and judgement words:
best great good beautiful
worst terrible bad must
strange lovely pretty wonderful
Literature review
Look for words like should or ought to: These words usually suggest a course of
action or give advice. Though this advice may be advisable, it is rarely factual. No
matter how much we agree with a “should” statement, it is by its very nature
opinion.
For instance, “One should avoid smoking cigarettes,” may be sound advice with a
lot of supporting evidence, but it is still an opinion.
“Smoking cigarettes can cause a variety of health ailments,” on the other hand,
can be verified and is therefore factual.
Exercise
1. War is always wrong.
6. The Earth revolves around the Sun
2. Many innocent people are killed in
war. 7. Pizza is the best food in the world
3. There is too much unemployment in 8. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Britain.
9. Dogs make better pets than cats.
4. Wild animals should not be kept in
zoos. 10. The Beatles were the greatest
5. Royal weddings always attract a lot of band of all time.
interest.
Exercise
1. War is always wrong. O
6. The Earth revolves around the Sun F
2. Many innocent people are killed in
war. F 7. Pizza is the best food in the world O
3. There is too much unemployment in 8. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. F
Britain. O
9. Dogs make better pets than cats. O
4. Wild animals should not be kept in
zoos. O 10. The Beatles were the greatest band
5. Royal weddings always attract a lot of all time. O
of interest. O
