Which statement correctly distinguishes a fact from an opinion?

Which statement correctly distinguishes a fact from an opinion?

• A. An opinion is verifiable; an opinion is a belief or judgment that cannot be proven true or false.
• B. A fact is verifiable; an opinion is a belief or judgment that cannot be proven true or false.
• C. Both are unverifiable.
• D. Facts are always subjective.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that facts can be checked against evidence, while opinions express personal beliefs or judgments. A fact is verifiable because it can be tested or observed and shown to be true or false through evidence. For example, “water boils at 100°C at sea level” can be tested and demonstrated. An opinion, on the other hand, reflects a person's viewpoint or taste and cannot be proven true or false in the same objective way. For example, “This movie is the best ever” expresses a preference that others may disagree with, and there isn’t a universal test to prove it true for everyone. So, the statement that facts are verifiable and opinions cannot be proven true or false best captures the distinction.

The key idea is that facts can be checked against evidence, while opinions express personal beliefs or judgments. A fact is verifiable because it can be tested or observed and shown to be true or false through evidence. For example, “water boils at 100°C at sea level” can be tested and demonstrated. An opinion, on the other hand, reflects a person's viewpoint or taste and cannot be proven true or false in the same objective way. For example, “This movie is the best ever” expresses a preference that others may disagree with, and there isn’t a universal test to prove it true for everyone. So, the statement that facts are verifiable and opinions cannot be proven true or false best captures the distinction.