Fact vs Opinion How to Tell the Difference

Fact vs. Opinion How to Tell the Difference

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

Facts �Can I prove it? � Could be true or false. �Can the statement be checked? �Example: � Mr. Mortini is 10 feet tall. (fact) �We can prove that Mr. Mortini is or is not 10 feet tall. �We can check by measuring his height.

OPINION Opinions are statements that cannot be proven. Opinions can be argued. Opinions may be supported with facts. Opinions cannot be proven. Examples 1. 2. 3. Golf is boring. Pizza is delicious. Math is the hardest subject.

Opinion �Can I prove it? �Is it based on someone’s feelings? � Example: Mr. Mortini is tall. (opinion) Statements of opinion cannot be proven. Whether or not Mr. Mortini is tall is a matter of opinion depending on whose perspective it is from.

Facts and Opinions Together �Fact or Opinion? �Drinking orange juice after brushing your teeth tastes bad. How can you prove this? �A lot of people may agree, but it is still someone’s feelings and therefore an opinion.

Facts and Opinions Together �Facts can be used to SUPPORT opinions. � Michael Jordan averaged more than 30 points per game. � Michael Jordan averaged more than 2 steals per game. � Therefore, Michael Jordan is one of the best basketball players ever. Opinions can be supported, but never proven true or false.

Fact or Opinion? The fastest land dwelling creature is the Cheetah.

FACT

Fact or Opinion? The ugliest sea creature is the manatee.

OPINION

Fact or Opinion? Oranges contain both Calcium and Vitamin C.

FACT

Fact or Opinion? Diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth.

FACT

Fact or Opinion? Horse manure smells awful.

OPINION

Fact or Opinion? Students have a lot harder time in school than the teachers.

OPINION

Fact or Opinion? The video game industry generated more money than the film industry last year.

FACT

Remember … �Any statement that cannot be proven true or false is considered an opinion, no matter how many people think the same thing. �Here are some key words to look for that will help you know if a statement is a fact or an opinion: � Always, never, should, all, none, most, least, greatest, best, worst