4.3: Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion

Theoretically understanding the difference between factual and opinion statements is easy; pointing them out in an actual text is difficult. Below are some defining characteristics of each type of statement, but by no means is this an exhaustive list.

A. Factual Statements

Statistics and dates - numbers, really - can easily be classified as factual. But what about everything else? Facts are statements about real situations or events, common knowledge, anything that can’t be argued. These statements are signified by:

• Signal Words: Although in academic discourse, they don’t often occur, there are signal words that do indeed demonstrate fact.

Fact-based: It is a fact that the Earth’s temperature is rising.

• Objective Language: subjective means subject to interpretation, based on personal thoughts. Therefore, objective is the opposite: clear and neutral.

Opinion-based (subjective): The Earth’s temperature is rising at an alarming rate.
Fact-based (objective): The Earth’s temperature is rising at a rate of 0.15 degrees F each decade since 1901.

While both of these statements may be found in a text, only one of these is appropriate to respond to in a summary/response essay.

• Neutral Verbs: Being neutral means having no bias, so in this case, the verb in the sentence doesn’t have any modifying modals or hedging language. Additionally, the verb is free of positive or negative connotations.

Non-neutral verb (opinion): The Chicago Cubs crushed the Los Angeles Dodgers by a score of 14-1.

B. Opinion Statements

Opinions are just the opposite: statements of belief or feeling. While these statements may be supported by facts, there should still be at least one sentence that you, the reader, could point to that demonstrates the author’s opinion or argument. Characteristics of opinions include the following:

• Subjective Language: This includes adjectives and adverbs that qualitatively assess the subject of discussion. The example from Part A is copied here:

Opinion-based (subjective): The Earth’s temperature is rising at an alarming rate.
Fact-based (objective): The Earth’s temperature is rising at a rate of 0.15 degrees F each decade since 1901.
"Alarming" is an adjective that describes the rising Earth temperature . . . and the author’s opinion about it.

• Non-Neutral Verbs: Unlike a factual statement, opinions can be characterized by verbs that indicate subjective relationships. In the examples from part A, the verb crushed is an evaluation of how the Chicago Cubs performed in the game.
• Context: Some modifiers can signify both fact and opinion depending on the context. Most of the time, they demonstrate an opinion, but in scientific or academic contexts, they can often demonstrate fact.

Magazine article (opinion): Composting alone is not an adequate solution to food waste.

Scientific article (fact): One pound of worms per square feet of space is an adequate amount for a composting station.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\) :Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion

Distinguish between the factual and opinion statements below. Write F for factual and O for opinion and highlight specific vocabulary and/or explain your thinking.

1. The U.S. Civil Rights Movement concentrated its strength on desegregating buses in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955-1956.
   Explain:

2. These objectives were not achieved merely because the U.S. Civil Rights Movement or the Indian Independence Movement occupied the moral high ground. They were achieved because of hard work, creativity, and skillful political analysis.
   Explain:

3. The Indian Independence Movement focused its efforts on gaining concessions from the British on the Salt Acts and other laws in 1930-1931.
   Explain:

4. There is no one-size-fits-all recipe-non violent action is place-specific. Explain:

Exercise \(\PageIndex{2}\): Responding to an Opinion

Pick one of the opinions from class and respond to it: do you agree or disagree? Why? Support your opinion.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\): Identifying Opinions in an Article

In the article you’ve read most recently, select three statements that you believe are opinions. Copy them below, then highlight specific vocabulary and/or explain your thinking.
1.
2.
3.