Developing a Reasoned Judgment: Fact vs. Opinion
World History, Mrs. Bernard
NAME: ____________________________________________________________
Directions: Archaeologists develop “reasoned judgments” based on the objects they find.
However, what makes a fair judgment? Should judgments be based more on facts or opinion?
Fact: A statement that can be proven
Opinion: A statement of personal preference
PRACTICE EXAMPLES of FACT vs. OPINION: For each statement below, write if it
represents a fact or an opinion.
1. The Twin Towers in New York City were destroyed on September 11, 2001.
Fact or Opinion? ____________________________
2. New York is the most beautiful city in the world.
Fact or Opinion? ____________________________
3. New Yorkers are cranky and impatient people.
Fact or Opinion? ____________________________
4. There are multiple layers of subway tracks below the surface of New York City.
Fact or Opinion? ____________________________
5. The Phantom of the Opera is the best Broadway show ever produced.
Fact or Opinion? ____________________________
ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXAMPLES of FACT vs. OPINION: Below is a description and list
of findings from a cave located in Murcia, Spain known as “Sima de las Palomas”. Use the
evidence to determine if each statement is a FACT or OPINION.
SPANISH CAVE EXCAVATION
DESCRIPTION of LOCATION
WHAT THEY FOUND
In 1991, geologists and archaeologists
found layers of sediment containing many
different plants and animals, including
humans.
stone tools: scrapers, flat triangular
projectile points, awls, hammerstones and
flakes
In 1994, archaeologists began excavating
the cave shaft beginning with the upper
layers of the sediment fill (dated to 35,000 60,000 years ago) and working down.
Since then, they have uncovered fossil
remains of panthers or lions, wild horse,
deer, ibex, hyaenas, hippopotamus,
elephants, rhinoceros, aurochs, tortoise,
and a variety of bird species. Analysis of
pollen samples suggested mild, moist
conditions.
They have also recovered evidence of
humans in the caves. The found a range of
stone tools, which archaeologists often
believe were made by the human ancestor
called Neanderthal.
150 fossilized bones and teeth: skulls, jaw
bones, hands, feet, rib cages, vertebrae,
pelvic bones, etc.
9 different human remains found from
infant to adult
Burnt bones of animals and stone tools
found near to the human remains
The skeletons were covered in stones
REASONED JUDGMENTS: Are the following statements based more on fact or
opinion? You will decide if each “reasoned judgment” is fair. A fair judgment is
based on facts, not opinions.
1. The humans living in the cave were probably hunters because they had sharp, stone tools.
Fair Judgment? (Y or N) ____________ Why or why not? ______________________
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2. The humans living in the cave were able to make fires to cook because there were burnt
animal bones found alongside the humans.
Fair Judgment? (Y or N) ____________ Why or why not? _______________________
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3. The humans had some beliefs about life and death (religious or spiritual) because there were
stone rocks on top of the human skeletons.
Fair Judgment? (Y or N) ____________ Why or why not? ________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. The humans living in the cave had an easy life because there were lots of animals around to
kill for food.
Fair Judgment? (Y or N) ___________ Why or why not? _________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. The humans living in the cave are likely between 35,000-60,000 years old because that is the
age of the plants and animals found directly around the skeletons in the sediment.
Fair Judgment? (Y or N) ___________ Why or why not? _________________________
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