Every day, you encounter hundreds of statements. Some are facts you can verify. Others are assumptions people treat as facts.

The difference? Facts can be observed or measured. Assumptions are beliefs we haven't tested.

Engagement Message

How might mixing up facts and assumptions impact your decisions?

Here's a fact: "The meeting started at 2 PM." You can check the clock, ask attendees, or review the calendar.

Here's an assumption: "Sarah is always late." This feels true based on memory, but have you actually tracked her arrival times?

Engagement Message

Why is the second example an assumption?

Facts answer: What actually happened? What can we observe? What do the numbers show?

Assumptions answer: What do we believe? What seems true? What feels right based on our experience?

Both are useful, but mixing them up creates problems.

Engagement Message

What is one problem that could result from confusing the two?

Consider this workplace statement: "Our customers hate the new website design because sales dropped 15% last month."

Sales dropping 15% is a fact. Customers hating the design? That's an assumption about why sales dropped.

Engagement Message

Can you identify the fact in that statement?

To untangle facts from assumptions, you need a systematic approach. With practice, you'll get better at quickly identifying what's actually known versus what's believed.

This skill works on news articles, conversations, and your own thinking.

Engagement Message

Ready to practice recognizing the difference?

Type

Sort Into Boxes

Practice Question

Sort these statements into the correct categories based on whether they're facts or assumptions:

Labels

• First Box Label: Facts
• Second Box Label: Assumptions

First Box Items

• Sales fell 10%
• 2h meeting
• Temp 72°F

Second Box Items

• Seems upset
• He's rude
• Probably dislikes the new policy