Fact vs. Opinion
When listening to a talk, you must separate what is true (Facts) from how the speaker feels (Opinions).
Listening for Facts analytics
Listen for: Numbers, Dates, Times, Names, and Science.
Listening for Opinions chat_bubble
Listen for: "I think", "believe", "should", and strong adjectives.
Blended Sentences extension
Speakers often mix facts and opinions in one sentence. Listen closely!
Just because someone says "It is a fact", doesn't mean it is!
Listening Lab headphones
Listening Lab headphones
Listening Lab headphones
Mission my_location
Mission my_location
Mission my_location
Tone of Voice
Intonation Tip: Native speakers often use a "flat" or steady voice when stating facts. When sharing opinions, their voice pitch goes up and down to show emotion! Watch the video to hear the difference.
Ask a Question person_raised_hand
Deep Dives
Brilliant question, Sovan! Even if 99.9% of people agree, "delicious" is still a feeling/judgment. It cannot be scientifically proven or measured with a machine. Therefore, grammatically and logically, it remains an Opinion! icecream
What about words like "probably" or "maybe"? Are sentences with those words facts or opinions?
Words like "probably," "maybe," and "perhaps" are called "hedging" words. They show that the speaker is guessing or isn't 100% sure. Because it involves the speaker's judgment of a situation, we generally classify statements with these words as Opinions (or Inferences), not pure Facts. search
Teacher, what if everyone in the world agrees on something? Like "Ice cream is delicious." Does it become a fact then?