Suppose you read these two statements on a carton of Top of the Morning Fruit Juice.
A glass of Top of the Morning Fruit Juice has only 200 calories and 20 percent of the vitamin C you need in a day.
Top of the Morning is the best-tasting juice in the world!Which of these two statements would you believe? You would probably pick the first one. This statement contains some facts that the writer can prove. He or she has checked the facts and can back up the statements.
The second statement, however, does not have any facts. It cannot be proved. Not everyone would agree that Top of the Morning Fruit Juice is the best-tasting juice in the world. Since different people have different tastes, some people might prefer another brand. The second statement tells the writer’s opinion. Unlike facts, opinions can’t be proved. Sometimes certain words and phrases act as clues; they tell you that the writer is expressing a personal opinion. I think is one example. In my opinion, I believe, it seems, I feel, and it appears also show that a personal opinion is being expressed.
If you don’t see any of these clues, how can you tell if you’re reading a fact or an opinion? As you read, ask yourself these questions:
· Can this statement be proved?
· Does everyone agree that this is true?
If you answer No to these questions, then you know the statement must be an opinion.Try these. Read each of the following statements. Write O in the blank if it is an opinion. Write F in the blank of it is a fact.
1. Albert is a no-good bum.
2. Albert has been unemployed for one year.
3. Sprucenut baby food is great for babies.
4. A fire started in the basement of the house at 1801 Miller Avenue.
5. I think Ronnie started the fire on purpose.
6. Mel Bowdin is a loyal American.
7. The United States should change its foreign policy regarding South America.
8. Fall is the most beautiful time of the year, with the leaves changing colors.
9. The word receive must be spelled with an ei to be spelled correctly.
Here's something to think about. Which of the following statements about opinions is true?
A. Opinions are facts.
B. Opinions are judgments.
C. Opinions are always true.
D. Opinions are always false.
E. Opinions are never true.Opinions are statements of what someone believes is true. Therefore, opinions are judgments and, unlike facts, cannot be proven. (back to top)
Resources:
Benner, Patricia Ann. (1996). Breakthroughs in Critical Reading. Contemporary Books: Chicago, IL.
Benner, Patricia Ann. (1988). Pre-GED Critical Reading Skills. Contemporary Books: Chicago, IL
Comprehension Skills Level F: Inferences. (1992). Steck-Vaughn Company: Austin, TX.
GED Test 4: Literature and the Arts. (2001). Contemporary Books, NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group: Lincolnwood, IL.
McClanahan, Susan D.; Green, Judith Andrews. (1996). Building Strategies: Reading. Steck-Vaughn Company: Austin, TX.
Pre-GED Literature and the Arts. (1995). Contemporary Books, NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group: Lincolnwood, IL
Sands, Stella; Lowe, Virginia. (1998). GED Program: Literature and the Arts. Cambridge Adult Education: Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Springboard for Passing the GED: Interpreting Literature and the Arts. (1994). Glencoe, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill: New York, NY.