Facts and Opinions

Facts and opinions (at GCSE level) are to do with how information is presented; you can't check if information is true or false in an exam. Compare the two statements below:

• Fans stated that they were disappointed that the gig was cancelled.
• I think everyone was a little disappointed when her latest gig was cancelled.

What's the difference in how these sentences are presenting information? The first one attempts to present the information as a fact, however the second one attempts to present the information as an opinion instead (as it focuses more on the author's thoughts and feelings).

When you talk about facts and opinions in a text, you should talk about how the information is presented. Use phrases like, "The author presents the fans' disappointment as a fact in the sentence..." or "The author presents the fans' disappointment as an opinion in the sentence..." This is much better than saying, "The author uses a fact." as we don't actually 100% know if it is a fact or not.

The author presents the fans' disappointment as a fact, "Fans stated that they were disappointed that the gig was cancelled." By presenting the information this way, the author is trying to distance themselves from the statement and as a result, make it seem more credible or trustworthy, because it seems as if they are just 'reporting the facts' rather than giving their own opinion.

The author presents the fans' disappointment as an opinion, "I think everyone was a little disappointed when her latest gig was cancelled." By giving her own opinion, the author is creating a closer connection with the reader and is making the priority her own feelings. She is letting you know that she is perhaps also a fan and felt the same disappointment as everyone else.