Distinguishing Between FACT AND OPINION What are the

Distinguishing Between FACT AND OPINION What are the differences?

OPINIONS n n n An opinion is a statement that cannot be proved or checked It tells what someone thinks, feels, or believes Clue words for opinion statements are: n n think, feel, believe, seem always, never, all, none, most, least, best, greatest, worst

FACTS n n Facts are statements that can be checked or proved We can check facts by conducting some sort of experiment, observation, or by verifying (checking) the fact with a source document Facts often contain numbers, dates, or ages Facts might include specific information about a person, place or thing

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

HINTS FOR DECIDING IF A STATEMENT IS A FACT OR OPINION n n n 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? n I think that Colorado is the best state in which to live. n Chocolate cake is the most delicious kind of dessert. n Nearly 65% of our teens are over-weight. n Taylor Swift is the greatest singer ever!

When you’re writing…. n Remember: n n Facts are often used to support opinions Good opinions are based on facts, but they are still opinions