What distinguishes a fact from an opinion in writing?

The distinguishing factor between a fact and an opinion in writing is that facts can be proven true or false, while opinions reflect personal beliefs or perspectives. Facts are objective statements supported by evidence, meaning they exist independently of individual thoughts or feelings. They can be verified through observation, research, or reliable sources. For example, stating that "the Earth orbits the sun" is a fact that can be confirmed through scientific evidence.

In contrast, opinions represent subjective interpretations or attitudes and vary from person to person. For instance, saying "vanilla ice cream is the best flavor" is an opinion based on personal taste and cannot be universally proven. This foundational difference highlights the importance of recognizing and appropriately utilizing both facts and opinions in writing to convey accurate information and personal viewpoints effectively.