Question

Read this excerpt from a passage.

In 2008, the once thriving company took a financial blow during the Great Recession. Profits fell, but that was not the story the leaders of the company were telling. The CEO was obviously aware of the corruption happening in her company and even encouraged it for her own gain. Unethical accounting practices made the company appear to be profitable to shareholders. The company's net worth seemed to hold steady as the rest of the market fell, day after day. Finally, a whistleblower in the accounting department uncovered the scheme. Unbelievably, none of the wrongdoers were arrested.



Which of these sentences is an opinion disguised as a fact?


In 2008, the once thriving company took a financial blow during the Great Recession.


The CEO was obviously aware of the corruption happening in her company and even encouraged it for her own gain.


The company's net worth seemed to hold steady as the rest of the market fell, day after day.


Profits fell, but that was not the story the leaders of the company were telling.

Answer 1

"The CEO was obviously aware of the corruption happening in her company and even encouraged it for her own gain."

Explanation: it asserts the CEO's knowledge, intent, and motive ("obviously," "encouraged," "for her own gain")—things that are opinions or inferences unless supported by evidence.