Facts, Opinions, and Bias!

Fact, Opinion, and Bias!

Oh boy here it goes...

Definition of Fact:

Fact is a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true and can be proven.

For example:

1. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

2. There are twelve months in a year.

3. Rain is wet.

Multiple Choice

A fact cannot be proven. True or False?

• True

• False

Open Ended

State one fact you know.

Definition of Opinion:

An opinion is a personal belief, viewpoint, judgment or attitude that is subjective, can be disputed and cannot be fully proven.

For example:

1. Mermaids and tooth fairies exist. 

2. Red is the most beautiful color. 

3. Scotland is the best place ever!

Open Ended

What does it mean for something to be "subjective"? If you don't know, just say so. This is a really important term for us this semester!

Open Ended

State one opinion you have about your school.

Multiple Choice

Fact or Opinion?

Apples taste better than pears.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Fact or Opinion?

In a leap year, there are 366 days rather than 365 days.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Fact or Opinion?

France is in Europe.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Fact or Opinion?

Watching the sun set is a magical experience.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Select

Fact or Opinion?

It is cold outside.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Fact or Opinion?

Mr. Meadows is mostly bald.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Fact or Opinion?

Dino nuggies are the best nuggies.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Select

Fact or Opinion?

He is a tall person.

• Fact

• Opinion

Definition of Bias

Bias is an individual or source’s particular feelings, opinions, or beliefs which affects how they express their viewpoints on various issues.

Bias is especially common in the areas of race, religion, nationality, gender, social class, politics, etc. 

Example of Bias:

If someone is biased towards a political group or party, he/she will tend to speak more positively of politicians belonging to that party. Additionally, if that same person is biased against a different political group, he/she might quickly disagree with anyone who aligns with that political party.

Multiple Choice

A newspaper article comments on only the negative things the United States did to Iraq and Afghanistan while ignoring all of the positive things.

Is this biased?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Bias can develop as a result of one’s upbringing or personal experience.

• True

• False

Identifying Bias:

Tone: Pay attention to the overall tone of the article – is it associated with any particular emotion? 

Language: Does the author use very descriptive language, which may be positive or negative, which shows bias? 

One Perspective: Does the source share just one perspective, or are multiple perspectives shared?

Identifying Bias:

Opinionated: Could you re-write the source using the same information but tell a completely different story?

Attitude: How does the author treat the events/people they are writing about – positively, negatively, or balanced?

Missing Information: Is any information missing, or does extra analysis suggest bias? 

Open Ended

How will you avoid bias when you write?