Fact, Opinion, and Reasoned Judgment

Distinguish facts, opinions, and judgments supported by evidence in nonfiction.

A fact can be checked and proven true or false: 'The lake is 40 meters deep. ' An opinion expresses a belief or feeling that can't be proven: 'The lake is the prettiest place in the state. ' Between them is a reasoned judgment, an opinion supported by evidence: 'The lake is the best spot for a field trip because it has a nature center, trails, and a picnic area. ' Many nonfiction texts mix all three, and authors may present opinions as if they were facts.

Signal words help: 'best,' 'should,' 'terrible,' 'I believe,' and 'clearly' often mark opinions. Numbers, dates, and measurable details often mark facts. Example: 'Clearly, the new playground is a waste of money. It cost $80,000, and it is used mostly on weekends. ' The first sentence is an opinion; the second contains facts offered as support. Strong readers ask whether the facts actually prove the opinion. Here, weekend use alone doesn't prove waste.

• 1Facts can be checked; opinions can't be proven
• 2A reasoned judgment is an opinion backed by evidence
• 3Watch for opinions disguised as facts
• 4Ask whether the facts really support the opinion