Fact & opinion

Fact & OpinionFunctional Skills English

Session aim

To distinguish between FACTS and OPINIONS in a variety of texts, and to practise writing pieces based on

these models.

Distinguishing between Fact and Opinion

Michael Owen bemused by Newcastle United boos

Manchester United striker Michael Owen says he was disappointed after being booed by Newcastle fans during Tuesday's 0-0 draw at St James's Park.

The former Magpies man was jeered when he came on after 81 minutes.

Owen said on Twitter: "Got a poor reception off the home fans which was disappointing. Was desperate to score!“

He added: "Knew I would get booed as that's what a lot of fans do but if they knew the facts then they may have a different opinion.”


Michael Owen is clear that there is a difference between fact and opinion. He is disappointed by the fans’ opinion of him but believes that knowing the fact might change that opinion.


•A fact is something that can be proved to be correct or incorrect.

•An opinion is what someone thinks or believes. It cannot be proved to be correct or incorrect.


What FACTS can you find in the following?Owen joined Newcastle from Real Madrid for £16m in 2005 and scored 30 goals in 79 appearances in an injury-hit four years on Tyneside.

•Owen joined Newcastle from Real Madrid.•The transfer cost £16 million.•The transfer took place in 2005.•He scored 30 goals in 79 appearances.•He spent four years on Tyneside (another name for Newcastle)


All these statements can be checked and proved by looking at the records

FACT


What OPINIONS can you find in the following?Owen said: "When I meet Newcastle or Liverpool fans they all respect what I've done for their clubs. In stadiums it changes, one boo and the rest follow.”

•Newcastle or Liverpool fans respect what he has done. (Some probably do, but do all of them? How could it be proved?)

•One boo and the rest follow. (It may seem so, but how could it be proved?).


These statements might be correct, but they can’t be checked or proved

by looking at the records

OPINION

TASKWhere you live: Fact

Write a report about your local town or the county in which you live. Give facts only in the report.


Your report should include the following information: population, main industry, main attractions and factual details.

Here’s an example of how you could begin this section of your report:

I live in Leeds, West Yorkshire. It has a population of 715,404 and has become a major financial and legal centre outside London.


Remember: you will have to do some research to find out these things.The following websites will help your research:

· To find the population of the area in which you live, visit the Office for National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk

· To find census information for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, visit:www.ons.gov.uk/census

· To find out more about your local area (from news and activities to local entertainment) visit your local BBC site: www.bbc.co.uk/local

TASKWhere you live: Opinion

Write a report about your local town or the county in which you live. Give opinions only in the report.

TASKWhere you live: Opinion

Here are some questions to help you:

• What do you think about where you live?• Where are your favourite places?• What do you like to do there in your free time?• What would you change about where you live?Remember: this is your view of the place you live. You don’t have to do any research. Here is an example of how you could begin this section of the report:

I love Leeds. It’s a great place to live. There are lots of things to do and lots of good shops to visit. For example…

Documents

Fact & opinion