Fact vs. Opinion Introduction to News writing

Telling Fact from Opinion A fact can be proven by empirical data. A fact can be proven by empirical data. A piece of specific information that can be verified by measurement or by a record that is free from personal bias. A piece of specific information that can be verified by measurement or by a record that is free from personal bias. An opinion cannot be proved true or false by empirical data. An opinion cannot be proved true or false by empirical data. No nonbiased documents, no records, no measurements can provide verification. No nonbiased documents, no records, no measurements can provide verification. Opinions deal with attitudes, evaluations, probabilities, and emotions; They rely on personal feelings or judgment. Opinions deal with attitudes, evaluations, probabilities, and emotions; They rely on personal feelings or judgment.

Example What is the difference between these statements? What is the difference between these statements? Sunny Hills High School was built in 1959 Sunny Hills High School was built in 1959 Sunny Hills covers four acres. Sunny Hills covers four acres. Sunny Hills is the best school in the Fullerton Joint Union High School district. Sunny Hills is the best school in the Fullerton Joint Union High School district.

Example The first two are facts because a reporter could look up newspapers or a building permit to determine the age. The acreage could be checked through blueprints. The first two are facts because a reporter could look up newspapers or a building permit to determine the age. The acreage could be checked through blueprints. The third statement is opinion because there is no objective standards in measuring “best.” What does “best” mean? What are they referring to? Academics, athletics, location? The third statement is opinion because there is no objective standards in measuring “best.” What does “best” mean? What are they referring to? Academics, athletics, location?

Fact or Opinion John Jones scored a 2300 on his SAT. John Jones scored a 2300 on his SAT. John Jones is a bright boy. John Jones is a bright boy.

True and False Facts All reporters must examine facts carefully and double- and tripe-check facts with at least three sources. All reporters must examine facts carefully and double- and tripe-check facts with at least three sources. Remember, “if your mother tells you she loves you, check it out.” Remember, “if your mother tells you she loves you, check it out.” Never report a fact that someone else tells you without verifying it first. Never report a fact that someone else tells you without verifying it first.

Mixed Statements Some statements contain fact and opinion. Some statements contain fact and opinion. Opinion words (adjectives, etc.) = editorializing Opinion words (adjectives, etc.) = editorializing REMOVE all opinion words! REMOVE all opinion words!

Example Bill Black, Tembrooke’s astute principal, said today that freshmen should take calculus when they are seniors because mathematics is good discipline for the mind. Bill Black, Tembrooke’s astute principal, said today that freshmen should take calculus when they are seniors because mathematics is good discipline for the mind. What did the principal do today? What did the principal do today? Is that a statement of fact or opinion? Is that a statement of fact or opinion? What did Principal Black say? What did Principal Black say? Is that a statement of fact or opinion? Is that a statement of fact or opinion? What about the word astute? What about the word astute? Is the sentence a statement of fact, opinion or mixture? Is the sentence a statement of fact, opinion or mixture?

Editorializing Removed… Bill Black, Tembrooke principal, said today that freshmen should take Calculus when they are seniors because “Mathematics is good discipline for the mind.” Bill Black, Tembrooke principal, said today that freshmen should take Calculus when they are seniors because “Mathematics is good discipline for the mind.”