Look for evidence. Facts usually have some sort of proof behind them, like statistics or eyewitness accounts. Fiction doesn't have this kind of real - world evidence. Also, facts are often presented in a more straightforward, non - imaginative way compared to the creative and often far - fetched nature of fiction.
Check the sources. Fact books usually cite their sources at the end or throughout the text. Fiction books don't need to do this as they are creating their own stories. Also, the language can be a clue. Fact books use more objective language, while fiction books may have more flowery and emotional language to draw you into the story.
One way is to look at the sources. If it's based on primary sources like official records, it's more likely to be fact. For historical fiction, there will often be an author's note stating that it's a fictionalized account. Another way is to check for consistency. Facts should be consistent across reliable historical accounts, while historical fiction may deviate for the sake of the story. For example, a history book about the Renaissance will have consistent facts about the art, politics, and society, but a historical fiction novel might have a fictional love story that doesn't match up exactly with known facts.
Look at the content. If it has made - up characters and events that couldn't happen in real life, it's probably fiction. If it's about real people, places, or events, it's nonfiction.
Pay attention to the consistency. Reality generally follows certain rules and laws. In fiction, the author can break these rules. For instance, in a fantasy novel, magic might be used to defy the laws of physics. But in the real world, we know that such things don't happen without scientific explanation. Also, the language used in non - fictional works is often more matter - of - fact, while in fiction, the language can be more creative and flowery.
One way is to research the real - life story of the Titans. Compare the known historical facts with what's shown in the movie. For instance, the movie might show a particular player as being more heroic or having a more elaborate backstory than in real life. The real facts would be based on records and interviews from that time. The movie, 'Remember the Titans', might also compress time or combine multiple real - life events into one fictional scene for the sake of storytelling. So, by knowing the real history, you can pick out the fictional parts more easily.
To distinguish between fact and fiction in '12 strong', consider the plausibility. If a situation seems like it was put in just for the shock value or to make the movie more exciting, it's probably fiction. For instance, a character making impossible jumps or stunts. On the other hand, the overall mission objective and the challenges faced in achieving it, if they are in line with real military missions, are facts. Also, the way the military chain of command is shown, if it adheres to real - life military protocols, is fact, while any deviation for the sake of a quick plot fix is fiction.
One way is to check the sources. Reliable historical facts are often based on primary sources like official documents, diaries, and archaeological findings. For example, if you're studying ancient Rome, official inscriptions on buildings are primary sources. Fiction, on the other hand, may lack such solid evidentiary support and might be more focused on entertainment and creating fictional scenarios.
To distinguish, look at the odds. In fact, the odds of winning in casino games are publicly available. If someone claims a different set of odds that are too good to be true, it's probably fiction. For example, in blackjack, the real odds are based on the number of decks used and the rules of the game.
Context is key. If it's in the context of a news report or a documentary, it's more likely to be a clipped fact. Fiction usually comes in the form of novels, movies that are clearly made - up. Also, consistency with known information can help. A clipped fact should be consistent with other facts in the field, while fiction can be completely inconsistent with reality.
To distinguish, look for sources. If it comes from a reliable historical record or a well - respected study, it's likely a fact. For example, if there are official statistics about Hoosiers' population growth over the years. Fictions often lack such solid backing. If it's just a story passed around without any evidence, it's probably fiction.