Reading writing skills 1. Reading Skill: Distinguishing between facts and opinions in reading materials The ability to tell the difference between facts on the one hand and the writer 's opinions or interpretations on the other is a crucial comprehension skill. Facts are statements that tell what really happened or what the case is, and they are usually based on direct evidence. Opinions, on the other hand, are statements, of belief, judgment or feeling. Opinions, of course, are often based on facts but they also involve the writers personal interpretation of the facts which may or may not match your interpretation of them. The biggest difficulty in distinguishing fact from opinion, however, may arise when you agree with the writers opinion When we believe something very strongly, it's easy to mistake our opinions for facts So critical reading involves careful examination of our own beliefs as well as the author’SReading & Writing Skills 1. Reading Skill: Distinguishing between facts and opinions in reading materials. The ability to tell the difference between facts on the one hand and the writer’s opinions or interpretations on the other is a crucial comprehension skill. Facts are statements that tell what really happened or what the case is, and they are usually based on direct evidence. Opinions, on the other hand, are statements, of belief, judgment or feeling. Opinions, of course, are often based on facts－ but they also involve the writer’s personal interpretation of the facts, which may or may not match your interpretation of them. The biggest difficulty in distinguishing fact from opinion, however, may arise when you agree with the writer’s opinion: When we believe something very strongly, it’s easy to mistake our opinions for facts! So critical reading involves careful examination of our own beliefs as well as the author’s