Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion

 

Usually the difference between fact and opinion is easy to recognize. However, at times an author can weave facts and opinions together so well that the line between the two becomes blurred. But keep in mind, the author is creating a persuasive argument, and that argument, no matter how persuasive, is still based on opinions and conclusions formed out of a point of view. As a critical reader, you must distinguish between the facts and opinions of your source to judge the information's reliability.

FACTS (Statements that can be verified.)

OPINIONS (Statements based on personal beliefs and are open to debate.)

One way to distinguish the difference between the two is to think if the condition is always true.

For example:

Your company posts the following statement on a memo: "Since a challenging workout is good for your health and will help you stay fit, we are forming an early morning jogging program."

Is the above example a factual statement or an opinion?

Even though a challenging workout is good for your health may sound like a fact, this statement is an opinion. How are they defining "challenging"? Five miles? Ten miles? More importantly, this workout wouldn't be healthy for people with heart conditions-- these employees would actually be harmed if they over-extended themselves.

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Try our self-test to see if you can distinguish between fact and opinion.

 

 

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last updated on 3/30/99