Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Which of the following best distinguishes a fact from an opinion?

1. Facts are statements that cannot be proven to be true.

2. Opinions are statements that can be proven to be true.

3. Facts are statements that can be proven to be true.

4. Opinions are statements that have no place in text.

The correct answer is: Facts are statements that can be proven to be true.

The correct choice emphasizes that facts are statements that can be proven to be true. Facts are objective pieces of information that are verifiable through observation, measurement, or documentation. For example, the statement "water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level" is a fact that can be tested and confirmed through scientific methods. In contrast, opinions are personal beliefs or judgments that are subjective and influenced by individual feelings, interpretations, or experiences. They cannot be universally proven true because they vary from one person to another. Recognizing the distinction between fact and opinion is essential for critical thinking, as it allows individuals to evaluate information for reliability and validity. While the other choices mischaracterize facts or opinions, the correct answer accurately reflects the nature of facts, enhancing the understanding of how they differ from opinions.