Difference Between Fact and Opinion – Full Explained

For reading comprehension at higher levels, it is necessary that students are able to distinguish between fact and opinion accurately. To do this successfully, students must understand the difference between the two concepts. Once this has been achieved, students must gain practice by applying these definitions through activities on a wide range of reading material.

Let’s take a look at defining these two all-important concepts:

Fact: A fact generally refers to something that is true and verifiable. That is, a fact is something that can be proved.

Opinion: An opinion refers to how someone feels about something. Others may agree or disagree with an opinion, but they cannot prove or disprove it. This is what defines it as opinion.

Why are Fact and Opinion so Important in Reading Comprehension?

The ability to distinguish between fact and opinion helps the students develop their critical and analytical skills in their reading. Fact and opinion are often mixed up in texts. It is therefore essential that students are able to distinguish between What is fact from what is mere opinion.

Whether you are reading a newspaper, an advertisement, or a history book-distinguishing between what is fact and what is opinion is crucial to become an independent person. Only with the critical abilities, you can judge the things and nobody can mislead you.

The Language of Fact and Opinion: Signal Words and Phrases

As we mentioned earlier, often writers will mix up the facts with their own opinion. Unfortunately, it can at times be difficult to extract the truths from the author’s biases. Luckily, the language used itself often gives helpful clues in the form of words and phrases that assist us in identifying statements as fact-based or opinion-based.

Let’s now take a look at some examples of those signal words and phrases being used in the sentence fragments that often precede a statement of fact or opinion:

Fact

• The annual report confirms the statements of the govt.
• Scientists have recently discovered that the epidemic is caused by a virus.
• According to the results of the tests, almost fifty percent have failed.
• The investigation demonstrated that the department is full of corruption.

Opinion

• He claimed that he is a doctor.
• It is the officer’s view that the matter will be resolved.
• The report argues that the prices have increased.
• Many scientists suspect that the epidemic will last for years.

As we can see from the above examples, the language used to introduce a statement can be helpful in indicating whether it is being framed as a fact or an opinion. Read more