The T-Chart Method: How to Separate Facts from Opinions in Your Notes

If you've ever stared at a page of notes and felt completely overwhelmed by a jumble of facts, opinions, and everything in between, you're not alone. The T-chart method is a brilliantly simple tool that transforms messy notes into clear, organised thinking in minutes. By drawing one giant letter T and separating facts from opinions into two distinct columns, you'll never confuse evidence with personal judgement again.

Why Separate Facts from Opinions?

Facts are checkable. They're the solid ground beneath your arguments. Opinions, on the other hand, are beliefs or judgements. When these two blur together in your notes, your decisions get dragged around by strong feelings or loud statements instead of clear reasoning.

Here's a simple example:

• Fact: The test is on Friday.
• Opinion: Friday tests are unfair.

Seeing the difference protects your thinking. It helps you build arguments on solid evidence whilst still respecting different perspectives.

How to Build Your T-Chart

Start by drawing a large T on your page. Label the left column 'Facts' and the right column 'Opinions'. As you read through an article, debate, or class notes, copy exact phrases into the correct column. Keep entries short and use the author's own words wherever possible. This stops you from sneaking in your own bias.

The beauty of this method is its simplicity. You don't need fancy software or complicated systems. Just a pen, paper, and a willingness to slow down and think critically about what you're reading.

The Key to Sorting: Word Signals

Certain words act as signposts, guiding information to the correct column. Numbers, dates, and observed events usually land under facts. Words like better, worst, should, or I think point directly to opinions.

Here's what to look for:

• Fact indicators: Numbers, dates, statistics, direct observations, 'happened', 'occurred'
• Opinion indicators: 'Should', 'better', 'worst', 'I believe', 'I think', 'unfair', 'best'

Scan for these key words and phrases as you read. They'll make the sorting process faster and more accurate.

Beyond Note-Taking: Using Your T-Chart

The T-chart isn't just for study sessions. It sharpens class discussions, helps you explain your reasoning without mixing evidence and preference, and improves your critical thinking in everyday conversations. It's a quick filter you can draw anywhere—in meetings, whilst reading news articles, or when making important decisions.

The best part? A T-chart never takes sides. It simply helps you see information clearly.

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