Fact-and-opinion.ppt

FACT AND OPINION Learning the difference between fact and opinion.

FACT AND OPINION Do you know the difference when you read?

What is a fact? A

fact is something that is true about a subject and can be tested or proven. Facts often contain numbers, dates, or ages

 We

can check facts by conducting some sort of experiment, observation, or by verifying (checking) the fact with a source document  Facts might include specific information about a person, place or thing

You are a student in this class. Is

this a fact? Can we prove you are a student by checking your registration, the tuition you paid and my roll sheet?

What is an opinion? An

opinion is what someone thinks or believes is true about a subject . Opinions have value words – best, worst, fabulous, etc.

 Clue

words for opinion statements are:  think, feel, believe, seem  always, never, all, none, most, least, best, greatest, worst

Is it truly a fact? Opinions often are disguised as facts with words like…..  Will = it will rain tomorrow.  May = The stock market may rise by January.  Should = It is a fact that due to cheating, students should be failed in the class. 

Can you tell the difference? Fact or Opinion?

1.

Union officials told the press that if the teachers did not receive a pay raise, then there would be a strike.

Opinion - due to the words, “would be” indicating the future.



2. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a significant factor in helping to bring the United States into WW II.

Was it a fact? Was it an opinion? 

Ask yourself – can it be proven with documents, testimony, etc.



If so, it is a fact!

HINTS FOR DECIDING IF A STATEMENT IS FACT OR OPINION 

To recognize a FACT:  

Read each answer choice and ask yourself: “Can this statement be proved?”

Example: Which of these is a fact? A. B. C.

D.

We live in the best apartment in the city. I believe that summer is the best season. I think that spaghetti is a delicious meal. The Poughkeepsie Journal is a newspaper.

HINTS FOR DECIDING IF A STATEMENT IS FACT OR OPINION  



To recognize an OPINION: Read each answer choice and ask yourself “Does this statement tell what someone thinks, feels, or believes?” Look in the answer choice for clue words that signal an opinion

OPINION EXAMPLES: WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS NOT AN OPINION STATEMENT?  I think that Colorado is the best state in which to live.  Chocolate cake is the most delicious kind of dessert.  Nearly 65% of our teens are over-weight.  Taylor Swift is the greatest singer ever!

Let’s see how you do: 

1. The Titanic was the grandest passenger ship ever constructed. (fact / opinion?)



2. The white in the American flag represents purity and innocence; the red, hardiness and valor; the blue, vigilance, perseverance and justice; the stars, stand for each state in the union. (fact / opinion)

More practice! 

3. Prof. Leary failed 70% of his class because they couldn't distinguish between facts and opinions! (fact / opinion?)



4. Marilyn Monroe died in her home at the age of 36. (fact / opinion?)

Weight of evidence

You

will be more persuasive in your opinion if you use reasons, facts or other evidence:

Weight of evidence Mc Donald’s has the best food value in town:  Their burgers are $1.00 on Mondays  The food is “tasty” and is filling  The food is served hot  The service is good and quick 

Weight of Evidence Your opinion on any matter derives from time, experience, belief, and discussion.  At all times, you SHOULD have some information to back up your opinion.  If you repeat information without checking it out – you are not an informed, educated student! 

Final check: When you opine, do you have “facts” or substantial information to back up your opinion, or do you react strictly from emotion?  Do you lose control and call others names or swear at them because YOU don’t have information to counter their arguments? 

Topic of Controversy 

What is your opinion on this topic?



Chiong sisters’ case

Prepare an oral report to be given in class Your job is to take a stand – for or against. Do research and prepare an oral report of no more than 5 minutes, citing your opinion, backed up by three pieces of relevant information that supports your opinion on the subject. You need at least 3 sources of support to have enough weight to back up your opinion. 

Oral report You must have at least three pieces of evidence to back up your opinion.  You must practice your oral presentation so you are comfortable in front of the class.  You must KNOW your “stuff.” You may NOT read from the paper. You MUST talk to the class, not read to them. 

Oral report You may use the board, charts, or any type of visual as you speak.  You must be prepared.  Remember, Practice makes perfect! 

When you’re writing…. Remember: Facts are often used to support opinions Good opinions are based on facts, but they are still opinions

Be informed! Read, Research, Speak to others, and think!