8.2: Reading Skills- Distinguishing Facts from Opinions
- Page ID
- 104450
Fact or Opinion?
This is a fact
Facts can be checked somewhere else, and the same information should appear. Facts include the following:
Sentences that contain a number (e.g., population, size):
- The area of Fernie is 13.5 km2.
- Over 90% of the population is descended from European settlers.
Sentences that contain a date or other historical information:
- Shred Kelly was formed in 2009.
- The band first played to a large crowd at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Information about science and nature:
- Fernie has an average of 83.5 cm of snow in January.
- Fernie is 1,010 metres above sea level.
Personal descriptions that can be checked:
- Jordan has dark brown hair and brown eyes.
- He is working on a degree in counselling psychology.
This is an opinion
Ask yourself: Can someone disagree with this? If so, the sentence expresses an opinion, not a fact. Opinions include the following:
Sentences that start with a verb of thinking or believing:
- I think Shred Kelly’s music is great.
- I believe they deserve to achieve international success.
Sentences that contain an adjective:
- My local radio station plays the best (worst) music!
- I saw an amazing (fantastic, great, terrible) band last night!
Sentences that make a prediction about the future:
- This band is going to be huge.
- Fernie will always keep its distinctive character.
Sentences that say what someone should do:
- Everyone should try downhill skiing.
- Radio stations should play more Canadian music.
You Try It!
Are the sentences below facts (F) or opinions (O)? Hint: there are five facts and five opinions.
1. _____ For winter sports, I think the very best place to visit in B.C. is Fernie.
2. _____ The town was founded in 1898 and has a population of around 5,000.
3. _____ Originally a mining community, Fernie is now well known as a ski centre.
4. _____ Winters in Fernie are a magical time, with lots of fun and excitement.
5. _____ Fernie Alpine Resort has 142 ski runs and up to 37 feet of snow each year.
6. _____ The restaurants and bars in the town are just as good as those in Vancouver.
7. _____ Young people easily find jobs in ski stores, hotels, and restaurants.
8. _____ Fernie has produced several Olympic-level skiers and snowboarders.
9. _____ If you want a perfect B.C. winter vacation, you should definitely consider Fernie.
10. _____ It will be one of B.C.’s best winter destinations for many years to come.