Which statement best distinguishes factual claims from opinions?

• A. Facts are beliefs that cannot be proven.
• B. Opinions are always supported by data.
• C. Facts can be proven or verified; opinions express beliefs or judgments.
• D. An opinion is a type of evidence.

Answer: (C)

Understanding how to tell facts from opinions hinges on proof and verification versus belief. Facts are claims that can be tested and shown to be true or false through evidence, measurements, or verifiable data. Opinions, on the other hand, are personal beliefs or judgments that may be based on data but do not have to be proven. So, the statement that facts can be proven or verified; opinions express beliefs or judgments best captures the difference. The other ideas mix up definitions: facts aren’t beliefs that cannot be proven; opinions aren’t guaranteed to be supported by data; and an opinion isn’t a type of evidence.