Fact or Opinion? Spot the Clues

Two sentences can describe the same thing... yet only one is presented as a fact. Look at these. "The tower has 120 steps." "The tower has the most wonderful view." Which one could be checked, and which one gives somebody's judgement?

A presented FACT is a statement the writer treats as something that can be checked. It might give a number, a date, a place or a specific event. You do not need to check whether it is actually true. Your job is to classify how the sentence presents it. An opinion gives a belief, feeling or judgement. Look for words such as "best", "boring", "beautiful" or "should". Different people could reasonably disagree. Picture two readers: one loves a book; the other finds the same book dull. Those reactions are opinions. Now, stay tightly focused on the statement you are classifying. A nearby fact does not turn an opinion into a fact. And do not choose what merely sounds plausible. Read the exact words. Ask: "Is this presented as checkable information, or as somebody's judgement?"

Let's work through an example. Read this short passage. "Riverside Library opened in 1985. Its children's room contains over 4,000 books. It is the most exciting place in the whole town." Classify this statement: "It is the most exciting place in the whole town." First, isolate the stated detail. The question is not asking about 1985 or the 4,000 books. Those nearby details are presented as checkable facts... but they are not our target. Our target says the library is "the most exciting place". Keep your eyes on THOSE words. Next, test the wording. Could everyone check and agree that this place is "the most exciting"? No. One person might adore the library. Another might prefer the swimming pool. "Most exciting" is a judgement, not a measurable detail. So the statement is presented as an OPINION.

Remember: a presented fact offers information that can be checked; an opinion gives a belief, feeling or judgement. Focus on the exact statement, not a tempting detail nearby. Check the words, use the test... and you will spot the difference with confidence!