Opinion

Point of View - Not-a-fact

Sometimes opinions get stated as though they are facts.

“Motivated by his insatiable greed, Senator Tom Richly voted in favor of tax cuts for large businesses.”

How can anybody know another individual’s internal motivation? And given that the motivation mentioned is greed, we can be confident that the senator did not come out and actually say this. It is the writer’s opinion that the senator was motivated by greed.

“Today’s improving market provided a verdict on the president’s veto.”

Do you know how many variables affect the stock market? How could anyone possibly know that a sudden drop or rise can be attributed to one presidential action? This statement is based on opinion, not fact.

It is difficult to completely separate fact from opinion. Everyone has opinions, and reporters and journalists are human like the rest of us. It is still important for you to be able to parse out the difference so that you are able to form your own, informed opinion.

Opinion [ə-pin-yən]—a view or judgement formed in someone’s mind regarding a particular matter.