Factsare statements you can prove true, while opinions are personal beliefs or interpretations. Knowing how to tell the difference between facts and opinions is essential, whether we are scrolling through social media, writing an essay, or reading an article. This skill enables us to think critically, have deeper understanding, and avoid being misled by biased or inaccurate claims. It’s essential for writing strong papers, evaluating sources, and making informed decisions. Plus, when readers can separate facts from opinions, we stay open to new ideas without confusing them with hard evidence. In short, being able to differentiate facts from opinions is key to being a critical reader. 

Facts about Facts

There are two main ideas to consider about facts.

First, a fact is provable.

1. A fact can be verified by looking it up.

Examples:

• • • Arizona State University (ASU) was established as the Arizona Territorial Normal School in 1885.
    • The Navajo Nation has the largest tribal land in the United States.
    • Students at CAC can earn degrees and certificates in 81 different fields.

2. A fact can be verified by seeing it for ourselves

Examples:

• • • My mom can run a 6-minute mile.
    • The tree was hit by lightning.
    • The car got a flat tire at mile marker 121.

3. Data can be used to verify a fact.

Examples:

• • • The number of visitors to Grand Canyon National Park has decreased since the pandemic.
    • Australia is wider than the moon.
    • Gas is more expensive this year compared to last year.

4. Relying on past witnesses. If it happened in the past, someone else likely saw, it spoke about it, photographed it, or wrote about it.

Examples:

• • • Cleopatra married two of her brothers.
    • In the Middle Ages, animals could be put on trial.

Second, facts are sometimes proven untrue.

You’ve heard of “fact checking.” That’s because facts can be wrong, and they can also change. How were these “facts” eventually proven untrue?

• • • Pluto is a planet.
    • The earth is flat.
    • Humans use only 10% of their brain.

Facts about Opinions

When examining facts and opinions, consider the characteristics of an opinion.

1. Opinions are not provable.

Examples:

• • • The stock market will definitely crash next year.
      • We can’t see the future, so we don’t know that this is definitely going to happen.
    • Listening to music helps people concentrate.
      • This statement expresses a belief or perception that may be true for some individuals but not for others. While it can be studied and debated, there is no universal, provable truth since people experience and respond to music differently based on personal factors.

2. Opinions often include value or judgement words.

Examples:

• • • Mr. Phillips is the best English teacher at the school.
      • “Best” is not measurable, so this is not something that can be proven. Each person will define differently what makes something “best.”
    • The sunset was beautiful last night.
      • Beautiful is subjective.

3. Opinions include personal bias.

Examples:

• • • In-person classes are better than virtual ones.
    • Parents should not let their children go on social media until they are at least 16.
    • There are too many reality shows on television.

For each example above, the statement relies on personal preferences, which are different for each person.

4. Opinions are often mixed in with facts.

Examples:

• • • In the Middle Ages, animals could be put on trial, which is crazy.
    • ASU has a new running back this year, and they are going to win it all.

Bias

We all have biases. Many times we hear the word bias used in a negative way, but a bias is really just a preference.

Do you prefer chocolate cake over vanilla? This is a bias.

Are there some people you like better than others? This is a bias.

Bias in itself is not bad. We all have preferences that aren’t harmful. But biases can become harmful. Our preferences can become deeply rooted and unfair or turn into stereotyping or prejudice. The biases that become unfair or that turn into prejudice can be dangerous.

How can we recognize bias and understand how it affects us? Acknowledging our own biases is the first step in keeping an open mind as we take in new information. It enables us to reassess our ideas and beliefs as we learn and grow.

Recognizing our own biases, as well as those of others, is key to discerning facts from opinion and to critical reading as a whole. Biases, or people’s preferences, come out often subtly in what they say and write, and it’s important that we consider this as we take their information in. Recognizing a writer’s bias allows us to have a more complete and balanced understanding of what we read.

How to Identify Bias in Reading:

1. Analyze the Language Used

   • Look for emotionally charged, one-sided, or exaggerated language.

   • Watch for overly positive or negative descriptions that seem unbalanced.

   • Be cautious of sweeping statements about groups, ideas, or events that lack nuance or context.

2. Check the Evidence

   • Is the evidence factual and supported by reliable sources?

   • Are differing points of view acknowledged or dismissed without proper consideration?

   • Notice if important facts are excluded.

3. Evaluate the Purpose

   • Consider the author’s goal: Are they trying to inform, persuade, or promote a particular agenda?

   • Look for underlying motivations, such as political, commercial, or personal interests.

   • Think about whom the text is written for and how that might shape the presentation of information.