Opinions in News

Goals

1. Describe opinions.
2. Skillfully assess opinions in news items.
3. Skillfully communicate your own opinions about news.

What?

An opinion is a statement that cannot be proven true or false only by using evidence and logic because it reflects someone’s thoughts, feelings, values, or preferences.

A fact is something that has been proven to be true by using evidence and logic.

Examples

1. Fact: Water boils at 100°C at sea level.
   Opinion: I think tea tastes better when brewed just before the water boils.

2. Fact: The 2020 U.S. presidential election was held on November 3rd.
   Opinion: The election process was poorly managed.

3. Fact: Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles.
   Opinion: Serena Williams is the greatest athlete of all time.

4. Fact: The movie has a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
   Opinion: The movie is way too long.

5. Fact: The unemployment rate is currently 4.2%. Opinion: The government is doing a good job with the economy.

6. Fact: This article cites five different sources. Opinion: The article is biased and misleading.

Why Opinions Matter

In the context of news, opinions shape how we interpret events and influence what we believe is true or important. News isn’t just about listing facts—it’s about helping people understand what those facts mean.

• Opinions can inspire, unite, or divide.
• They influence votes, policies, and public opinion.
• They reflect values—and values drive decisions.

Understanding opinions helps you become a more responsible citizen, a more effective communicator, and a more critical thinker.

Rationale for Understanding Opinions

Why should you get good at understanding and analyzing opinions?

• To avoid confusion: Many news items blend facts and opinions. Being able to tell them apart keeps you sharp.
• To spot bias: Opinions often reveal hidden values, motives, or agendas.
• To evaluate arguments: You need to assess whether the opinions are justified with strong reasons.
• To build your own views: Understanding the logic and evidence behind an opinion helps you form or refine your own.
• To communicate persuasively: Justifying your opinions clearly increases your influence.
• To improve your media literacy: You’ll consume news more intelligently and resist manipulation.

Opinion (How to Excel)

To excel with opinions—yours and others’—master these skills:

1. Spot the difference: Ask, “Can this be proven only using evidence?” If not, it’s probably an opinion.
2. Ask for justification: Good opinions don’t just float in space—they’re grounded in reasons, facts, or values.
3. Evaluate the reasoning:
   • Is the opinion supported by credible facts?
   • Is the reasoning logical?
   • Are other valid viewpoints considered?
4. Justify your own opinions:
   • Base them on facts and clear values.
   • Anticipate objections.
   • Be open to revising them if new evidence arises.

Bottom line: Strong opinions are not just personal—they are reasoned, grounded, and open to challenge.