fact vs. opinion

FACTS are statements that can be proven true or false by unbiased evidence.

EXAMPLES:

1.‘Makulay ang buhay sa sinabawang gulay’ is the new Knorr Cubes commercial jingle.

2.Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is the longest word in the english language.

DISTINGUISHING FACT FROM OPINION

An OPINION, though valid, is a statement which expresses a personal bias or a point of view and cannot be proven objectively. It is a statement of what an individual or group feels, thinks, or believes. Different opinions can be given on the same subject. Phrases such as it seems, it appears, it may, I believe, I think are often used to denote an opinion.

EXAMPLES:

1.‘Makulay ang buhay sa sinabawang gulay’ is the new Knorr Cubes commercial jingle.

2.Joselito Cabral is the husband of Gretchen Cabral.

DISTINGUISHING FACT FROM OPINION

EXAMPLES OF OPINIONS:

1.Michael thinks that he is cute.

1.I think Theresa did not like the rose and Red Ribbon cake given to her by Carlo.

DISTINGUISHING FACT FROM OPINION

EXERCISE ON DISTINGUISHING FACT

FROM OPINION

INSTRUCTIONS: Read the article entitled Hog Cholera no threat to human health, says DOH (Manila Times, 07/31/07). Pick out factual and opinionated statements in the selection. Underline ALL THE FACTUAL statements with a red ballpen. Underline the OPINIONATED STATEMENTS with a black ballpen.

DETERMINING THE AUTHOR’S PURPOSE, MOOD AND POINT OF VIEW

DETERMINING THE AUTHOR’S PURPOSE

+ When was he born?+Where did he live?+ Where did he study?+ Where was he trained?+ What were his awards?

+ What was his purpose in writing the selection?

UNDERSTANDING THE MOOD USED TO ACHIEVE THE PURPOSE

DETERMINING THE AUTHOR’S POINT OF VIEW

The author’s point of view about social,

political, economic

and religious or

spiritual issues

DETERMINING THE AUTHOR’S POINT OF VIEW

To determine the author’s viewpoint, the reader must know the following: