1. Fact and Opinion

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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!

11. Persuasive Techniques
Writers will often try to convince you to think or act in a certain way. Many of them write persuasive essays.
A persuasive essay is a piece of nonfiction that presents a series of arguments to convince readers to believe something or do something.

12. Persuasive Techniques
When you read persuasive 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.