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 MondaysThe food is “tasty” and is fillingThe food is served hotThe 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 IraqAbortionUnderage drinkingSmokingDrug usePresident 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.