Fact vs opinion: how to tell in a text?

Fact vs opinion: how to tell in a text?

• A. Facts are provable; opinions express beliefs; verify with evidence and sources
• B. Opinions are always false
• C. Facts cannot be verified
• D. All statements are facts

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing fact from opinion rests on whether something can be proven with evidence or is about beliefs or preferences. Facts are statements that can be shown to be true or false through evidence, data, dates, or reliable sources. Opinions express what someone believes, thinks, or feels, and they aren’t proven in the same objective way, even if they can be supported with reasons. So, the idea in this item is that a factual statement can be checked against evidence and sources, while an opinion reflects a belief or judgment. For example, “The Earth orbits the Sun” is a fact you can verify with scientific data. “The Earth is the most interesting planet” is an opinion; it reflects a personal view and isn’t something you can prove in the same definitive way. When you read a text, look for evidence, numbers, dates, or cited sources to identify facts. If the language signals beliefs, preferences, or judgments—words like think, believe, best, or should—it's likely an opinion. Other choices aren’t correct because they mischaracterize facts and opinions: opinions aren’t always false; facts can be verified; and not all statements are facts—some are opinions.

Distinguishing fact from opinion rests on whether something can be proven with evidence or is about beliefs or preferences. Facts are statements that can be shown to be true or false through evidence, data, dates, or reliable sources. Opinions express what someone believes, thinks, or feels, and they aren’t proven in the same objective way, even if they can be supported with reasons.

So, the idea in this item is that a factual statement can be checked against evidence and sources, while an opinion reflects a belief or judgment. For example, “The Earth orbits the Sun” is a fact you can verify with scientific data. “The Earth is the most interesting planet” is an opinion; it reflects a personal view and isn’t something you can prove in the same definitive way.

When you read a text, look for evidence, numbers, dates, or cited sources to identify facts. If the language signals beliefs, preferences, or judgments—words like think, believe, best, or should—it's likely an opinion.

Other choices aren’t correct because they mischaracterize facts and opinions: opinions aren’t always false; facts can be verified; and not all statements are facts—some are opinions.