Distinguishing between Fact and Opinion
The ability to distinguish between fact and opinion helps people think for
themselves and resist being manipulated by others. Knowing the difference
also helps you developing paragraph-writing skills.
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FACTS
Can be proved true or false.
Can be checked.
Are specific.
Look like details.
Include statistics and dates
(often contain numbers)
Includes examples.
Cite evidence or proof.
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OPINIONS
Are subjective (e.g. I believe…)
Contain value judgments (i.e.
they make something sound
good or bad)
Uses adjectives.
Look like explanations.
Make personal comments (e.g.
I think you should…)
Are often phrased as
compliments or put-downs
Examine the following statements. Next to
each, write the letter “F” if it is a FACT or an
“O” if it is an OPINION.
_____ It is 85 degrees Celsius outside.
_____ It is hot outside.
_____ It is a horrible steam bath outside.
Sometimes statements include both Facts
and Opinions. The following is an example.
Read the statement. Then underline the
parts that express Facts and circle the parts
that express Opinions.
Mr. Ocampo said, “I can’t stand this horrible
humidity. The weatherman reported that it
is 370. This climate is terrible.”
You have just applied the skill between fact
and opinion.
FACT, OPINION AND ARGUMENT QUIZ
Read and evaluate the statements below. Indicate which are FACTS (F),
OPINIONS (O), or ARGUMENTS (A) by placing the correct letter in the space
provided.
1.
_____ War is exiting because soldiers do many new and challenging
things.
2.
_____ Queen Elizabeth II signed the Canada Act in 1982.
3.
_____ There is no difference between Canadians and Americans.
4.
_____ The high casualty rate made World War I a horrible experience
for soldiers.
5.
_____ In Ontario and Quebec dairy farms are the most common farms.
6.
_____ Canada had a separate seat at the Treaty of Versailles although
we were still a British Colony.
7.
_____ War costs too much.
8.
_____ History is made by Historians.
9.
_____ Newfoundland was the last province to join Confederation.
10. _____ Cultural differences mean that French and English Canadians will
never get along.
11. _____ The War Measures Act gives Prime Ministers too much power.
12. _____ Toronto is the largest city in Canada.
13. _____ You must be 18 years of age to be able to vote in Canadian
elections.
14. _____ Canadian History isn’t important enough to study.
15. _____ World War I divided Canadians because they disagreed on
conscription.
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