{"id":7815,"date":"2013-09-06T23:08:29","date_gmt":"2013-09-06T23:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=7815"},"modified":"2026-03-26T09:59:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:59:13","slug":"fact-or-opinion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/fact-or-opinion\/","title":{"rendered":"Distinguishing Fact and Opinion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_V1TQzFhn2Hs\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_V1TQzFhn2Hs\" data-source-videoID=\"V1TQzFhn2Hs\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Distinguishing Fact and Opinion Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Distinguishing Fact and Opinion\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_V1TQzFhn2Hs:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_V1TQzFhn2Hs {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/updated-distinguishing-fact-and-opinion-64c01095e22e1.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_V1TQzFhn2Hs\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_V1TQzFhn2Hs\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Distinguishing Fact and Opinion\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_V1TQzFhn2Hs\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_V1TQzFhn2Hs\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_V1TQzFhn2Hs\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction oqR_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"oqR\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"oqR_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"oqR\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Facts\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Facts<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Opinions\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Opinions<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Facts_vs_Opinions\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Facts vs. Opinions<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Review\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Fact_vs_Opinion_PDF\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Fact vs Opinion PDF<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label><input id=\"factsheet\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"factsheet\">Fact Sheet<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>Separating fact from opinion can be a difficult task. In this video, we will discuss the distinction between fact and opinion and offer some helpful tips for distinguishing between the two.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Facts\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Facts<\/h2>\n<p>\nA <strong>fact<\/strong> is a statement that can be proven to be true by the use of evidence. Factual statements are true in all cases and for all people; in other words, facts are universal. <\/p>\n<p>Some examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dogs are mammals.<\/li>\n<li>Albany is the capital of New York.<\/li>\n<li>Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each of these statements is true. Furthermore, each statement is <strong>verifiable<\/strong> and <strong>not debatable<\/strong>, provided that definitions are agreed upon. Put simply, evidence exists that could potentially <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/argumentative-writing\/\">prove or disprove<\/a> each claim.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Opinions\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Opinions<\/h2>\n<p>\n<strong>Opinions<\/strong>, unlike facts, are neither true nor false. An opinion can express a belief, attitude, value, judgment, or feeling. <\/p>\n<p>Some examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dogs are the best mammals in existence. <\/li>\n<li>Albany is the most interesting city in New York.<\/li>\n<li>World War II was a terrible war.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\nEach of these statements expresses an opinion. Note that each is debatable. In other words, one can potentially agree or disagree with (debate) a statement of opinion.<\/p>\n<p>Note that the final statement\u2014\u201cWorld War II was a terrible war\u201d\u2014strikes many of us as factual. However, this is a statement of opinion. Yes, most people would consider World War II terrible. However, there is always the possibility that somebody out there holds a different opinion, as strange as they may seem. It is very rare for a statement with a <strong>value<\/strong> word like \u201cterrible\u201d to be factual.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Facts_vs_Opinions\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Facts vs. Opinions<\/h2>\n<p>\nNow that we know the differences between a fact and an opinion, it\u2019s important to know how to distinguish between them when reading literature. Let\u2019s look at some helpful strategies:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 12px;\"><strong>Watch for opinion masked as fact.<\/strong> A lot of times, professional or technical language can seem factual. In particular, you\u2019ll want to watch out for predictions. Predictions are opinions since they cannot be verified in the present. This is even true if the prediction is being expressed by an expert with an informed opinion. A zoologist who predicts that a particular animal will go extinct in 50 years, for example, is stating an informed opinion. This opinion is based on evidence, research, and expertise, but because it cannot be presently confirmed, it is not a fact.<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 12px;\"><strong>Value or Judgment words often signal an opinion,<\/strong> \u201cLeBron James is very tall\u201d is a statement most people would agree with. However, the word <em>very<\/em> makes this problematic. What exactly does it mean to be \u201cvery tall\u201d? It is not defined. What one person considers very tall, another may consider average or even short. The word <em>very<\/em> is an example of a value or judgment word. Here is a list of value and judgment words; if you see one of these in a statement, then the view being expressed is likely an opinion:\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li>Best<\/li>\n<li>Great<\/li>\n<li>Beautiful<\/li>\n<li>Worst<\/li>\n<li>Terrible<\/li>\n<li>Bad<\/li>\n<li>Should<\/li>\n<li>Must<\/li>\n<li>Good<\/li>\n<li>Strangest<\/li>\n<li>Disgusting<\/li>\n<li>Wonderful<\/li>\n<li>Pretty<\/li>\n<li>Most<\/li>\n<li>Lovely<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><strong>Look for words like <em>should<\/em> or <em>ought to<\/em>.<\/strong> These words usually suggest a course of action or give advice. Though this advice may be advisable, it is rarely factual. No matter how much we agree with a \u201cshould\u201d statement, it is by its very nature opinion. For instance, \u201cOne should avoid smoking cigarettes,\u201d may be sound advice with a lot of supporting evidence, but it is still an opinion. \u201cSmoking cigarettes can cause a variety of health ailments,\u201d on the other hand, can be verified and is therefore factual.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>In essence, facts can be verified by evidence, and opinions are statements of belief, attitude, value, judgment, or feeling.  <\/p>\n<p>Before we go, let\u2019s look at a quick review question:<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><span id=\"Review\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Review<\/h2>\n<p>\nWhich of the following statements is factual?<\/p>\n<ol style=\"list-style: upper-alpha;\">\n<li>Ohio is a beautiful state.<\/li>\n<li>You should never drive faster than the speed limit.<\/li>\n<li>George Washington was the 1st president of the United States.<\/li>\n<li>George Washington was a great public speaker. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><button class=\"buttontranscript\" onClick=\"toggle('Answer1')\">Show Answer<\/button><\/div>\n<div id=\"Answer1\" style=\"display:none; box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 5px grey; background-color:#E0E0E0; padding: 30px; padding-bottom: 15px; width: 60%; margin: auto; text-align: center;\">\n<strong>The correct answer is C.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This is the only option that can be backed up by evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks for watching, and happy studying!<\/p>\n<ul class=\"citelist\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.palmbeachstate.edu\/slc\/Documents\/fact%20or%20opinion%20hints.pdf\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cFact or Opinion? -Tutor Hints.\u201d n.d.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"factsheet-spoiler\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align:center\"><span id=\"Fact_vs_Opinion_PDF\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Fact vs Opinion PDF<\/h2>\n<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1193\" height=\"1574\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_105605800.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"An educational infographic titled &quot;Fact and Opinion&quot; explains the difference between factual statements and opinions, with examples of each. It includes key words to identify opinions and a QR code for more information.\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_105605800.png 1193w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_105605800-227x300.png 227w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_105605800-776x1024.png 776w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_105605800-768x1013.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_105605800-1164x1536.png 1164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1193px) 100vw, 1193px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"sub_categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Fact-and-Opinion.pdf\"><span id=\"Your_Fact_vs_Opinion_PDF_Download\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Your Fact vs Opinion PDF Download<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/reading-comprehension\/\">Return to Reading Comprehension Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\nfunction toggle(obj) {\n          var obj=document.getElementById(obj);\n          if (obj.style.display == \"block\") obj.style.display = \"none\";\n          else obj.style.display = \"block\";\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Reading Comprehension Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":186719,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-7815","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-reading-comprehension-videos","7":"page_category-video-pages-for-study-course-sidebar-ad","8":"page_type-video","9":"content_type-fact-sheet","10":"subject_matter-english"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7815"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":280085,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7815\/revisions\/280085"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/186719"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}