1. Fact & Opinion

2. Session aim
To distinguish between FACTS and
OPINIONS in a variety of texts, and to
practise writing pieces based on these
models.

3. Distinguishing between Fact
and Opinion
Michael Owen bemused by Newcastle United boos
Manchester United striker Michael Owen says he was disappointed after being
booed by Newcastle fans during Tuesday's 0-0 draw at St James's Park.
The former Magpies man was jeered when he came on after 81 minutes.
Owen said on Twitter: "Got a poor reception off the home fans which was
disappointing. Was desperate to score!“
He added: "Knew I would get booed as that's what a lot of fans do but if they
knew the facts then they may have a different opinion.”

4. Distinguishing between Fact
and Opinion
Michael Owen is clear that there is a
difference between and .
He is disappointed by the fans’
of him but believes that
knowing the might change that
opinion.

5. Distinguishing between Fact
and Opinion
•A is something that can be proved
to be correct or incorrect.
•An is what someone thinks or
believes. It cannot be proved to be
correct or incorrect.

6. Distinguishing between Fact
and Opinion
What FACTS can you find in the following?
Owen joined Newcastle from Real Madrid for £16m in
2005 and scored 30 goals in 79 appearances in an
injury-hit four years on Tyneside.
•Owen joined Newcastle from Real Madrid.
•The transfer cost £16 million.
•The transfer took place in 2005.
•He scored 30 goals in 79 appearances.
•He spent four years on Tyneside (another name for Newcastle)

7. Distinguishing between Fact
and Opinion

8. Distinguishing between Fact
and Opinion
What OPINIONS can you find in the following?
Owen said: "When I meet Newcastle or Liverpool fans
they all respect what I've done for their clubs. In
stadiums it changes, one boo and the rest follow.”
•Newcastle or Liverpool fans respect what he has done. (Some
probably do, but do all of them? How could it be proved?)
•One boo and the rest follow. (It may seem so, but how could it be
proved?).

9. Distinguishing between Fact
and Opinion

10. TASK
Where you live: Fact
Write a report about your local town or
the county in which you live. Give facts
only in the report.

11. TASK
Where you live: Fact
Your report should include the following information:
population, main industry, main attractions and factual
details.
Here’s an example of how you could begin this section of
your report:
I live in Leeds, West Yorkshire. It has a population of
715,404 and has become a major financial and legal
centre outside London.

12. TASK
Where you live: Fact
Remember: you will have to do some research to find out these things.
The following websites will help your research:
· To find the population of the area in which you live, visit the Office for
National Statistics website:
www.statistics.gov.uk
· To find census information for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern
Ireland, visit:
www.ons.gov.uk/census
· To find out more about your local area (from news and activities to local
entertainment) visit your local BBC site: www.bbc.co.uk/local

13. TASK
Where you live: Opinion
Write a report about your local town or
the county in which you live. Give
opinions only in the report.

14. TASK
Where you live: Opinion
Here are some questions to help you:
• What do you think about where you live?
• Where are your favourite places?
• What do you like to do there in your free time?
• What would you change about where you live?
Remember: this is your view of the place you live. You don’t have to do any
research. Here is an example of how you could begin this section of the report:
I love Leeds. It’s a great place to live. There are lots
of things to do and lots of good shops to visit. For
example…