Fact and Opinion How to Tell the Difference

Fact and Opinion How to Tell the Difference

Facts are statements that can be proven true or false. Examples 1. Statistically, women live longer than men. 2. Most buses weigh more than most cars. 3. There are ten inches in a foot (false).

Opinions are statements that cannot be proven true or false. Clue words are best, worse, think and feel. Opinions can be argued. Opinions may be supported with facts. 1. 2. 3. Examples Golf is boring. Pizza is delicious. Math is the hardest subject.

Valid vs. Faulty Opinions A Valid Opinion can be supported by facts. Example: Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback in NFL history. He has 3 Superbowl wins and 2 league MVP’s. A Faulty Opinion cannot be supported and often shows bias. Example: Orange juice is better than apple juice.

What is a generalization? Generalizations are conclusions about a group based on details about its members.

Key Words n n n n Sometimes Always Never Most Many All Generally

Valid Generalizations n Valid means true. Supported by facts n Agrees with what you already know about the topic n Uses logic and reasoning n Proven with several examples n

Faulty Generalizations n Faulty means false. Not supported by facts n Watch for the key words: none, all, always, never, everyone, nobody n

Chocolate is everyone’s favorite dessert. n n What is wrong with this generalization? How could you make it a valid generalization?

Read the following passage: Ginger is one of my best friends. When I enter my home, she races to greet me with kisses and excited leaps. She acts like it’s been eight days since she’s seen me, instead of the actual eight hours. Her coat is honey brown; her eyes are large and loving.

She’s a six- month old cocker spaniel puppy, a breed originally intended to hunt birds in England. Her faithful companionship comforts me when I’m sad or sick. Her playfulness makes me laugh when she races after a toy I’ve tossed. All cocker spaniels make perfect pets.

What generalization is made in the passage? n All cocker spaniels make perfect pets.

Is this a valid generalization? What words does it use that makes you think it is or isn’t? n What could they do to make it a valid generalization. n

Ginger is one of my best friends. When I enter my home, she races to greet me with kisses and excited leaps. She acts like it’s been eight days since she’s seen me, instead of the actual eight hours. Her coat is honey brown; her eyes are large and loving.

She’s a six- month old cocker spaniel puppy, a breed originally intended to hunt birds in England. Her faithful companionship comforts me when I’m sad or sick. Her playfulness makes me laugh when she races after a toy I’ve tossed. All cocker spaniels make perfect pets.

All cocker spaniels make perfect pets. Is this a valid generalization? n Does the author: n Use facts to support the idea? n Share past experiences to support the idea? n Provide several examples? n Use logical thinking? n

All cocker spaniels make perfect pets. Is this a valid generalization? n Does the author: n Use facts to support the idea? n Share past experiences to support the idea? n Provide several examples? n Use logical thinking? n

Remember: Generalizations make conclusions about a group based on details about its members. n Some are valid, others are faulty. n Valid generalizations are supported by facts, examples, and logical thinking. n Watch out for words like all or never. n