This section of our ParaPro Study Guide delves into the nuances of fact and opinion. Readers must be able to differentiate facts and opinions as well as understand their purpose within the wider context of the author’s writing – and our guide below will ensure you can do just that.
Discerning Facts and Opinions
The ParaPro exam often has questions that ask the reader to determine if a sentence or supporting detail is a fact or opinion. These questions are to see if you can tell the difference between a writer presenting actual information backed by statistics and evidence or just stating their personal beliefs.
Keep in mind that an opinion is a statement that cannot be proven as true or false. Therefore, when reading the passage, ask yourself if a sentence provides actual evidence that can be verified or if the statement is someone’s own feelings.
Examples of language used with facts include:
- The research has demonstrated…
- According to the most recent study…
- The discovery confirmed that…
- Statistics verify that…
Examples of language used to express opinions include:
- My teacher claims that…
- I would argue that…
- In my view, the game was…
- Therefore, we should all take action…
Let’s take a look at a passage as a whole and evaluate it sentence by sentence.
The atomic bomb dropped on Japan killed more than 70,000 people instantly, according to the Japanese government. (this is a fact. It provides statistical information from a specific source.) The Japanese immediately surrendered following this event and the Americans began the occupation of Japan during Reconstruction. (this is a fact. It is an event in history.) Testimonies verify that this event was so horrific, it scarred many Japanese people’s lives forever. (this is a fact because testimonies verify it. Despite “horrific” sounding like a matter of opinion, whether or not people reported that they were scarred is a fact.) We should have tried to further negotiate with Japan to avoid this horrific event and save thousands of lives. (This is an opinion. It is one person’s belief of what “should” have happened, not something that is backed up by information or facts. We cannot prove what would change in a hypothetical situation.)
Now read through the following example and mentally note whether each statement is fact or opinion. Using this strategy as you read helps you prepare for any questions about facts and opinions, and it helps prevent your reconsidering information when you see it in question form.
Example 1
From Bill to Law
Passing a bill in Congress takes many steps. It is nearly impossible to get a bill to be passed. First, someone must create a petition that has to be picked up by a local or state representative. That representative must then present the bill to their congressional body for consideration. The bill then moves to a committee which must approve whether to move it to the floor for a vote. If approved, it goes to the full House for a final vote. But even if it passes the House, it has to go to the Senate and then either the governor or president before it can officially be passed. It’s also important to note that a bill can be first passed in the Senate and then moved to the House before making its way to the governor or president.
Which of the following statements from the passage is an opinion?
- Passing a bill takes many steps
- It is nearly impossible to get a bill to be passed
- Representatives must present their bills to their congressional body
- Bills must also be passed by the Senate and president or governor
Ask yourself, “What is something that isn’t measurable or can’t be proven? What is something that some people might not agree with, thus making it an opinion?” The best option here is (B). Not everyone would agree it’s an impossible process. In fact, many bills get passed every year. Just because something has a complex series of steps doesn’t mean it’s almost impossible. Thus, this statement is an opinion. The other choices are just steps in the process, making them facts.
It is important to note that persuasive passages are more opinion-based, while informative pieces are based more on facts. Persuasive pieces can include facts, though, when trying to prove a point.
For example, a persuasive article titled “Why You Should Move to Hawaii” would likely be written by an author who believes Hawaii is a great place to live. However, he can include a fact to back up this opinion by saying, “Hawaii has the warmest average temperature during the winter time at 81.2 degrees.” This is actual evidence and is thus a fact.