LAB ASSIGNMENT FIVE

Learning the difference between

fact and opinion.
FACT AND OPINION

Do you know the difference

when you read?
What is a fact?

A fact is something that is

true about a subject and can
be tested or proven.
You are a student in this class.

Is this a fact? Can we

prove you are a student by
checking your registration,
the tuition you paid and my
roll sheet?
What is an opinion?

An opinion is what

someone thinks or believes
is true about a subject .
Opinions have value words
– best, worst, fabulous,
etc.
Is it truly a fact?

 Opinions often are disguised as facts

with words like…..
 Will = it will rain tomorrow.
 May = The stock market may rise by
January.
 Should = It is a fact that due to cheating,
students should be failed in the class.
Can you tell the difference? Fact or
Opinion?
 1. Union officials told the press that if the
teachers did not receive a pay raise, then
there would be a strike.

 Opinion - due to the words, “would be”

indicating the future.

 2. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a

significant factor in helping to bring the United
States into WW II.
Was it a fact? Was it an opinion?

 Ask yourself – can it be proven with

documents, testimony, etc.

 If so, it is a fact!
Let’s see how you do:
 On a separate sheet of paper, write your name, class
time, and date. Then answer the following below.
Next to the number of the statement write F for fact,
and T for true. Give to Mrs. Sabin
 Due – Thurs. Nov 20

 1. The Titanic was the grandest passenger ship ever

constructed. (fact / opinion?)

 2. The white in the American flag represents purity

and innocence; the red, hardiness and valor; the blue,
vigilance, perseverance and justice; the stars, stand
for each state in the union. (fact / opinion)
More practice!

 3. Prof. Leary failed 70% of his class

because they couldn't distinguish
between facts and opinions! (fact /
opinion?)

 4. Marilyn Monroe died in her home at

the age of 36. (fact / opinion?)
The different types of opinions

 There are different types of opinions:

 1. Inherited opinions – these are the
ones transmitted by family, culture,
traditions, etc.

 For example: You are just like your dad -

a lazy boy who will never amount to
anything!
Ever heard these opinions?

 You will never do well because you can’t

read!
 I am a Democrat and will always be.
(Mom and dad were Dems)
 College is the most important thing you
can do for you life!
 Bagels should not be used as bread for
hamburgers.
2. Involuntary Opinions

 These are the opinions not

culturally or socially inherited nor
consciously adopted but that
come through indoctrination.
Involuntary Opinion

 Remember the group in Orange County

who thought the world was coming to an
end with the comet?

 Or the members of the Jim Jones sect or

cult who murdered themselves?
More examples

 The Zealots: in ancient times, there was

a religious group who were persecuted
by the Romans. They went to the top of
a mountain to live. When the Romans
tried to get them they all drank poison so
they would not be captured. They
believed so strongly in their religion that
they were called zealots – thus the term
today!
Cult or Sect Opinion Forming

 Any group with which you are a part

often plays a strong role in shaping your
opinions. Those that are “forced” upon
you or make you act in a strange way
are involuntary opinions = Ruby Ridge,
Waco Texas, The Moonies, Heaven’s
Gate, Jim Jones, etc.
3. Adaptive Opinions

 Opinions grow out of our willingness to

adapt to or even want to adopt the view
of a large group, sub group or institution
to which we belong. This is the “path of
least resistance.”

Peer, Team, Religious, Work:

Work pressure: Does you career depend
on what you believe or say?
4. CONCEALED OPINION

 RATHER THAN ROCK THE BOAT –

 Do you go along with the group opinion?

 Are you afraid of ostracism, ridicule,

retaliation or job loss?

 Do you share your opinion with friends of

like persuasion outside of work?
5. Linked Opinions = political

 Do you agree with the opinions of a large

group? Do you go with the “party line?”

 For example: Bill Clinton - His party did

NOT impeach him. They went with the
“party line” and supported him. This is a
linked opinion. You toe the line for
personal reasons. Your argument can
be known by your group!
Linked Opinions

 When you say Democrat what do you

think?

 When you say Republican, what do you

think?

 When you say “gang member” what do

you think?
How to check linked opinions

 Ask yourself – where is the proof??

6. Considered Opinions

 These are the opinions you are striving

for, due to being an “educated person.”

 These are opinions derived from

research, thought, judgment, and solid
information. These are what I want you
to have.
Considered Opinions

 Some people who offer opinions cannot

give ONE piece of solid evidence or
strong reasoning to back themselves up.

 You will be more persuasive in your

opinion if you have at least THREE
pieces of information to back up your
opinion.
Weight of evidence

 You will be more persuasive in your

opinion if you use reasons, facts or other
evidence:
 i.e. Bill Clinton should have been
impeached due to lying to the American
People, for lying to a grand jury, and for
having disgraced the Office of the
President.
Weight of evidence

 Mc Donald’s has the best food value in

town:
 Their burgers are $1.00 on Mondays
 The food is “tasty” and is filling
 The food is served hot
 The service is good and quick
Weight of Evidence

 Your opinion on any matter derives from

time, experience, belief, and discussion.
 At all times, you SHOULD have some
information to back up your opinion.
 If you repeat information without
checking it out – you are not an
informed, educated student!
Test Yourself: Add to earlier Quiz:

 5. FAA investigators stated that the

crash of TWA flight 109 was caused by
faulty landing gear and not pilot error
based on the evidence that was
recovered. (fact / opinion?)
 6. President Clinton's visit to China will
improve international relations. (fact /
opinion?)
Test Yourself:

 7. Corporal punishment is the most

effective method in preventing crime.
(fact / opinion?)

 8. Seatbelts can help prevent fatalities.

(fact / opinion?)
Final check:

 When you opine, do you have “facts” or

substantial information to back up your
opinion, or do you react strictly from
emotion?
 Do you lose control and call others
names or swear at them because YOU
don’t have information to counter their
arguments?
Topics of Controversy

 What is your opinion on these topics?

 War in Iraq
 Abortion
 Underage drinking
 Smoking
 Drug use
 President Bush
Lab Assignment: Prepare an oral
report to be given in class – Nov.10
 Your job is to pick a topic and then take a
stand – for or against. Do research and
prepare an oral report of no more than 5
minutes, citing your opinion, backed up by
three pieces of relevant information that
supports your opinion on the subject.
You need at least 3 sources of support to have
enough weight to back up your opinion.
Oral report

 You must have at least three pieces of

evidence to back up your opinion.
 You must practice your oral presentation
so you are comfortable in front of the
class.
 You must KNOW your “stuff.” You may
NOT read from the paper. You MUST
talk to the class, not read to them.
Oral report

 You may use the board, charts, or any

type of visual as you speak.
 You must be prepared.
 You will receive two grades: one from the
class and one from the instructor on your
presentation.
 Remember, Practice makes perfect!
Be informed! Read, Research,
Speak to others, and think!
Questions?

 See your instructor.