Final answer:
To determine whether a statement is a fact or an opinion, we need to understand the difference between the two. A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false based on evidence or data, while an opinion expresses a personal belief or preference.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether a statement is a fact or an opinion, we need to understand the difference between the two. A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false based on evidence or data. An opinion, on the other hand, is a statement that expresses a personal belief or preference, and cannot be proven true or false.
Let's analyze each of the given statements:
- It is wrong for people under the age of 21 to drink alcohol. This statement is an opinion because it expresses a personal belief about what is right or wrong.
- Sister Carrie was written by Theodore Dreiser. This statement is a fact because it can be verified through historical records and literary sources.
- Lord of the Rings: Return of the King won eleven Oscars (Academy Awards). This statement is a fact because it can be confirmed by checking the official record of Academy Awards winners.
- Oranges contain both calcium and vitamin C. This statement is a fact that can be verified through scientific knowledge and analysis of nutritional composition.
- The television show The Simpsons is just not as funny as it used to be. This statement is an opinion because it expresses a personal judgment about the comedic quality of the show.