New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What distinguishes opinions from facts?

1. Opinions are based on provable data

2. Opinions can be proven as true or false

3. Opinions represent personal judgments or views

4. Opinions are always majority beliefs

The correct answer is: Opinions represent personal judgments or views

The distinction between opinions and facts lies in the nature of opinions as personal judgments or views held by individuals. Facts are objective statements that can be verified or proven true based on evidence or data. In contrast, opinions are subjective and reflect personal beliefs, feelings, or interpretations about a topic. They vary from person to person and are not necessarily supported by empirical data. Recognizing that opinions are inherently subjective helps clarify discussions and debates, particularly in contexts such as education, literature, or social issues, where diverse viewpoints contribute to a richer understanding of the subject at hand. Thus, understanding that opinions are expressions of personal belief distinguishes them clearly from facts, which remain constant regardless of individual perspectives.