ABSK 902

Fact Vs. Opinion

 Facts
Facts can be objectively verified ,i.e. proven to
be true, through the:
– Testimony of witnesses
– Records or documentation
– Experimentation
• Facts do not reveal the author’s personal
perspective, or point of view.
• However, facts can and do change over a
period of time as new discoveries or methods
of research come to light in the fields of
medicine, science and history.
 Opinions
• Statements of opinion reflect the writer’s
perspective on the subject being
discussed. Shaped by an author’s
personal experience, training, and
background, opinions about the same
subject can vary from person to person,
and group to group.
• Opinions are too subjective, or too
personal, to be checked in reference
books or historical records.
• Opinions can take the form of judgments,
advice, generalizations, or sentiments.
Each type needs to be evaluated
differently.
• Eating junk food is unhealthy.
• You need a haircut.
• All children in Egypt go to bed late.
• I like vanilla ice cream.
Informed and Uninformed Opinions

• Informed opinions are backed by reasons

and/or evidence.
• Uninformed opinions lack adequate
evidence or are backed by inappropriate
reasons.
• Critical readers need to distinguish
between informed and uninformed
opinions.
• Writers and textbook authors tend to mix a
fact with an opinion.
• Blends