Fact and Opinion

Fact and Opinion When you read nonfiction, it is important to be able to distinguish between fact and opinion.

Fact and Opinion Fact A fact is something that can be proven. Example: The room is ten feet by twelve feet. This statement can be proven true by using a measuring device to determine the size of the room.

Fact and Opinion Opinion An opinion is a person’s judgment or belief. An opinion is something that may be supported by factual evidence, BUT it cannot be proven.

Fact and Opinion Opinion Example: Green is the best color for the room. This statement cannot be proven true by looking in a reference section.

Fact and Opinion Be aware that some writers will present opinions as facts. To get the truth, use resources to check facts.

Fact and Opinion The following list of resources may be used to confirm whether a statement is accurate Almanac Atlas or Map Biographical Dictionary Online Encyclopedia Reliable Website

Fact and Opinion As you read, recognize clues that indicate an opinion. Clues that indicate an opinion: I believe… In my opinion… I think…

Fact and Opinion Clues that indicate an opinion: Look for words which may be broad statements that reveal a personal judgment. Always Never Must Cannot Best Worst All

Fact and Opinion Clues that indicate an opinion: Emotional statements are also often clues to an opinion. Example: I hate broccoli - it’s disgusting! The Jonas Brothers are awesome - the oldest is so cute! School stinks! The teachers are all mean!

Argumentative Writing Writers will often try to convince you to think or act in a certain way. Many of them write argumentative essays. Argumentative writing is a type of nonfiction that presents a series of arguments to convince readers to think about or act on something or accept the writer’s opinion using evidence for support

Persuasive Techniques When you read argumentative essays, be alert for the use of persuasive techniques. Appeals to authority Using opinions of experts and well-known people Appeals to emotion Using words that convey strong feelings Appeals to reason Using logical arguments backed by facts You will need to decide whether the techniques are powerful enough to convince you to accept the author’s ideas.