Fact and Opinion
Understanding the difference between facts and opinions is a critical literacy skill that helps us evaluate the reliability and purpose of texts.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false using evidence (e.g. "Australia is the largest country in Oceania")
An opinion is a personal view or belief that cannot be proven true or false (e.g. "Australia is the best country in the world")
Signal words for opinions include: I think, I believe, in my opinion, should, best, worst
Biased texts mix facts and opinions to make opinions seem more convincing; critical readers identify which is which
Key Vocabulary
Fact
A statement that can be verified and proven to be true using evidence
Opinion
A personal belief or view that cannot be objectively proven true or false
Bias
A tendency to favour one point of view over another, often unfairly
Evidence
Information, data, or examples that support a claim
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which of the following is a FACT?
Question 2
Which word in the following sentence signals an opinion? "I think the library should stay open later."
Question 3
A news article states: "Scientists have discovered a new species of frog." Is this a fact or an opinion?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false using evidence (e.g. "Australia is the largest country in Oceania")
- ●An opinion is a personal view or belief that cannot be proven true or false (e.g. "Australia is the best country in the world")
- ●Signal words for opinions include: I think, I believe, in my opinion, should, best, worst
- ●Biased texts mix facts and opinions to make opinions seem more convincing; critical readers identify which is which