Facts and Opinions n n A fact is

Facts and Opinions n n A fact is a specific detail that can be proven as true based on objective evidence. An opinion is a feeling, judgment, belief, or conclusion that cannot be proven true by objective evidence. © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Separating Fact from Opinion n Know the traits of facts and opinions. Fact: Spinach is a source of iron. Opinion: Spinach tastes awful. © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Facts and Opinions n Fact n Objective n States reality n Can be verified n Presented with unbiased words “Spinach is a form of iron. ” n Opinion n Subjective n Interprets reality n Can NOT be verified n Presented with value words “Spinach tastes awful. ” © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Ask Questions to Identify Facts Can the statement be proved or demonstrated to be true? n Can the statement be observed in practice or operation? n Can the statement be verified by witnesses, manuscripts, or documents? n © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Fact or Opinion? __A spinning class is a group exercise program of about 45 minutes riding on a stationary bike. n __A spinning class is a form of torture. n © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Fact or Opinion? n F A spinning class is a group exercise program of about 45 minutes riding on a stationary bike. (Can be verified by going to a class. ) n O A spinning class is a form of torture. (Some people may enjoy the class. ) © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Note Biased Words to Identify Opinions n Look for biased words. They express opinions, value judgments and interpretations and are often loaded with emotion. Note: A sentence can include both facts and opinions. © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Biased Words n n n n n awful amazing better best bad beautiful believe disgusting exciting n n n n n favorite frightful fun horrible miserable never probably think smart © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Example: “In point of fact, computers make life miserable. ” n Explanation: “Miserable” makes this a general opinion. n © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Example: “The great grasslands of the West should not have been plowed under for crops. ” n Explanation: The grasslands were plowed under, but whether or not they “should not have been” is a matter of opinion. n © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Note Qualifiers to Identify Opinions Beware of false facts, or statements presented as facts that are actually untrue. n A qualifier may express an absolute, unwavering opinion using words like always or never. n © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Example “Exercise is the only sure way to lose weight. ” n “Only” is a qualifier and makes this statement an opinion. n © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Think Carefully about Supposed “Facts” n Beware of opinions stated to sounds like facts. Note: Phrases like “in truth, ” “the truth of the matter, ” or “in fact” are examples. © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Example: “In truth, the earliest humans lived at the same time as dinosaurs. ” n Explanation: Fossil records and scientific research have proved this to be a false fact. n © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers

Lesson Review n n A fact is a specific detail that is true based on objective proof. An opinion is an interpretation, value judgment, or belief that cannot be proved or disproved. © 2004 Pearson Education Inc. , publishing as Longman Publishers