What defines a “fact”?

A fact is defined as a statement that can be proved to be true or false. This means that facts are objective pieces of information that are verifiable through evidence, observation, or reliable sources. For example, the statement "Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius" can be tested and confirmed, making it a fact.

In contrast, personal beliefs, subjective descriptions, and misconceptions do not qualify as facts because they are based on personal interpretations, feelings, opinions, or misunderstandings rather than objective reality. Personal beliefs can vary from person to person and do not hold the same verifiable quality that facts do. Similarly, subjective descriptions depend on individual perspectives and experiences, while misconceptions reflect false understandings that can often be corrected with factual information. Understanding this distinction between facts and other types of statements is crucial for developing critical thinking and analytical skills in reading and writing.