5.1 Why Evaluating Evidence Matters
Distinguishing Fact from Opinion and Establishing Reliable Support
Academic reading goes far beyond passive consumption. It is a rigorous process of interrogation and selective judgment. Whether you are exploring a textbook, a journal article, or an opinion piece, your goal is to identify which information is factual, which is opinion, and how to distinguish strong support from unreliable material.
The ability to evaluate evidence with knowledge and purpose supports critical thinking and allows informed decision-making. Evaluating evidence also shields a reader against misinformation and persuasive but baseless claims. Correct assessment of evidence enhances the credibility and depth of your writing and arguments. This sounds great, of course, but let’s make sure that these claims are clear. We will proceed by defining the pieces of the puzzle.
What is a Fact?
A fact is a verifiable piece of information that can be supported with objective data or reliable sources.
Examples:
- “The Earth orbits the Sun.” (Empirically proven.)
- “In 2020, Canada had a population of approximately 38 million.” (Cited from census data.)
What is an Opinion?
An opinion is a belief, a judgment, or a perspective that may or may not be supported by evidence.
Examples:
- “Canada has the best healthcare system.” (Subjective and debatable.)
- “Shakespeare is the greatest playwright in history.” (Subjective, Value-based, not empirically measurable.)
What is Evidence?
Evidence is the information used to support a claim, and it includes:
- Empirical data (from studies or experiments)
- Expert testimony or analysis
- Historical records
- Statistical data
Important Tip!
Remember that when readers or observers are evaluating evidence, they are in fact asking: How well does this support the claim being made?
