Fact and Opinion

We need to be able to distinguish between facts and opinion in order to be able to think critically.

· A fact is that which can be considered to be true because its existence is backed up by evidence.

e.g. The earth revolves around the sun.

· An opinion is a belief in the existence or truth of something even though there is no supporting evicence to prove that this belief is correct

e.g. South Africa has an extremely pleasant climate.

Opinions are neither right nor wrong. They are merely the perspectives of individual people. Sometimes these opinions can be confirmed as facts once sufficient evidence has been collected.

We are regularly convinced by politicians, scientists, statisticians, journalists and many others that their actions are based on findings on facts. Because we are intelligent, critical readers, we need first to search for supporting evidence to verify or disprove these statements that sway our thinking and beliefs.

Separate facts from opinions in the following statements:

1. South Africa needs a new government in order to function effectively.

2. Picasso was the best artist of all time.

3. South Africa has Africa’s most extensive system of roads.

4. Operation Hunger, formed in 2000, operates feeding schemes and self-help programmes for those in need of help in South Africa.

5. At the age of thirteen, children begin to be able to think abstractly.