Fact vs. Opinion

Read these sentences. Try to guess which sentences are facts and which sentences are opinions. Doaktown is located on highway number 8. This is a statement. However, chocolate cake is the best type of cake, is an opinion.

What are facts and opinions?

Facts are true statements which are provable. Facts are provable when the original source of the information can be found, and the source of the information is reliable. The statement “Doaktown is on highway 8” is a fact because it can be proved by visiting Doaktown or by looking on a map. “Chocolate cake is the best type of cake” is an opinion, because it states a preference of one person.

Opinions can prove useful; however, they are not provable. They are based on personal values and beliefs. Most people would agree with the statement “Bell-bottom jeans are better than straight leg jeans.” Nevertheless, it is only an opinion because it is simply a preference.

How do I separate facts from opinion?

Opinions may be supported by biased or slanted presentation of facts. Watch for connotative language, words with a basic meaning and a value judgement. Sometimes writers will use examples or stories which are based on faulty thinking. Try to recognize the different types of faulty thinking.

Facts are usually supported by examples or statistics. You should look for evidence that the examples and statistics used support the main idea are reliable and accurate. Reliable and accurate examples state the original source of information, use of examples or statistics from several sources, use of current examples and statistics, and clear indication of the relationship between the supporting material and the main idea.