BBI 3215 CRITICAL THINKING AND READING Facts vs. opinion

Introduction Much of what you read in newspapers or magazines is a mix of factual information and the opinions of the author. Much of what you read in newspapers or magazines is a mix of factual information and the opinions of the author. Often the opinions are disguised as fact, to make the author's argument seem more believable. Often the opinions are disguised as fact, to make the author's argument seem more believable.

"Registration and control of firearms in Canada is not supported by the Canadian public, and will not lead to a decrease in gun-related crime." "Registration and control of firearms in Canada is not supported by the Canadian public, and will not lead to a decrease in gun-related crime."

There is nothing wrong with mixing opinions and fact together in an argument, of course... it's done all the time. There is nothing wrong with mixing opinions and fact together in an argument, of course... it's done all the time. What is important is that the reader be able to distinguish the fact from the opinion, in order to make a sound judgment about the information they are receiving! What is important is that the reader be able to distinguish the fact from the opinion, in order to make a sound judgment about the information they are receiving!

Facts Statement of actuality or occurrence. A fact is based on direct evidence, actual experience, or observation. A statement of fact expresses only what actually happened, or what could be proven by objective data.

Can the fact be verified by direct observation? Can the facts be trusted? How did the author come to the facts? Does the author have the skill and experience to make such a statement? Are the facts presented in an objective manner? (any bias evident or suspected?) Does the author make clear the sources of statements from authorities? Are these authorities reliable? Can the study which generates the facts be duplicated? Are the facts relevant to the point being made? Have unfavorable or negative points been left out? (are there counter-studies?) Do the facts prove the claim being made or do they merely suggest that the claim is reasonable?

Opinions A statement of opinion expresses an attitude toward something – it makes a judgment, view, or conclusion, or gives an opinion that cannot be proven true or false. Statement of belief or feeling. It shows one's feelings about a subject. Solid opinions, while based on facts, are someone's views on a subject and not facts themselves.

Does the author use words that interpret or label, such as: pretty, ugly, safe, dangerous, evil, attractive, well- dressed, good, and so on? Are there words that clue you to statements of opinion, such as: probably, perhaps, usually, often, sometimes, on occasion, I believe, I think, in my opinion, I feel, I suggest? Can you identify differing opinions and their effect on the author's views?

Facts or opinion? More and more women are deciding to give birth to their children at home. A hospital, after all, is not the best place for a baby to be born B. J. Vukovich, author of Claws, the best- written novel of the disaster genre, will speak at tonight’s “How I Became An Author” meeting.

1. 1. Philip Luttgen, satirical columnist for the Daily Views, will give a rebuttal entitled “What Is An Author?” The national coal strike, now into its seventh week, has caused untold hardships on the miners, their families, and the rest of the winter-weary nation Janet Guthrie, world famous auto racer, was the least nervous driver at the Indy 500 Facts or opinion?

Once the cavity reaches the dentin (the hard, dense, bone-like material that composes the principal mass of the tooth), it must be cleaned and filled. Some researchers, however, are beginning to question whether periodic cleaning and checking of the enamel (the calcareous substance that forms a thin layer capping the teeth) plays a significant role in preventing tooth decay. Facts or opinion?