How to Differentiate Between Opinion and Fact
Sometimes
information is presented as a fact when it may be an opinion. When scientific
conclusions are reported, it is important to recognize whether they are based
on solid evidence. Again, you may find it helpful to ask yourself some
questions.
1.
What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?
A fact is a piece of information that can be strictly defined and proved
true. An opinion is a statement that expresses a belief, value, or feeling. An
opinion cannot be proved true or false. For example, a person's age is a fact,
but if someone is asked how old they feel, it is impossible to prove the
person's answer to be true or false.
2.
Can opinions be measured?
Yes, opinions can be measured. In fact, surveys often ask for
people's opinions on a topic. But there is no way to know whether or not an
opinion is the truth.
The example is….
Human Activities and the Environment
Unfortunately, human use of fossil fuels is one of the most
significant developments of the past few centuries. Humans rely on fossil
fuels, a nonrenewable energy resource, for more than 90 percent of their energy
needs.
This careless misuse of our planet's resources has resulted in
pollution, global warming, and the destruction of fragile ecosystems. For
example, oil pipelines carry more than one million barrels of oil each day
across tundra regions. Transporting oil across such areas can only result
in oil spills that poison the land for decades.
Opinions
Notice words or phrases that express beliefs or
feelings. The words unfortunately and careless show that opinions are being expressed.
Facts
Statements that contain statistics tend to be
facts. Writers often use facts to support their opinions.
Opinions
Look for statements that speculate about events.
These statements are opinions, because they cannot be proved.
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