The PERT will test your ability to differentiate between facts and opinions. This section of our reading study guide will teach you how to approach fact and opinion questions to ensure you get the right answer every time.
How to Approach Fact vs. Opinion Questions
You can utilize the following five tips when you encounter a question that is asking about facts and opinions.
Understand the Distinction Between Fact and Opinion
- Fact: A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false. It is objective and based on evidence, such as statistics, historical events, or scientifically verified information.
- Opinion: An opinion expresses a belief, judgment, or personal feeling. It cannot be proven true or false and is often supported by subjective reasoning or emotional language.
Look for Signal Words for Opinions
- Opinion clues: Phrases like “I believe,” “in my opinion,” “should,” or “it seems” often signal an opinion. Opinions may also include words that show judgment, such as “best,” “worst,” “great,” or “unfair.”
- Opinion-based qualifiers: Words like “probably,” “most likely,” or “perhaps” suggest that the statement is speculative and based on the author’s viewpoint rather than an established fact.
Verify Facts Using External Knowledge or the Passage
- Check for verifiable evidence: Facts should be supported by data or specific evidence. If the passage mentions a fact, it’s often followed by supporting details, such as dates, statistics, or examples that can be proven.
- Be wary of bias: If a statement seems one-sided or lacks evidence, it’s more likely to be an opinion.
Evaluate the Tone and Language Used
- Objective vs. subjective language: In most cases, facts are stated in neutral, objective language, while opinions often use emotional or persuasive language. For example, “The company earned $1 million in profits last year” is a fact; “The company made an incredible profit last year” is an opinion, as indicated by the subjective word “incredible.”
Check if the Statement Can be Proven or Disproven
- Test each statement: Ask yourself, “Can this statement be verified or proven?” If the answer is yes, then it’s a fact. If it’s a matter of personal belief or interpretation, it’s an opinion.
Key Tip: Opinions can sometimes be disguised as facts through persuasive language. Pay close attention to how the author presents information, and look for evidence that supports or refutes a claim.