The awful crime of which Mrs. Hossack stands accused is still fresh in the minds of every newspaper reader in Iowa. Which best describes the excerpt? It is a fact because it can be proven using objective evidence. It is a fact because it cannot be proven using objective evidence. It is an opinion because it can be proven using objective evidence. It is an opinion because it cannot be proven using objective evidence.

The correct answer is D.

An opinion is a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. An opinion can be formed based on something somebody heard, read or just seen. An opinion is strictly subjective and can not be used as a reliable fact.

Mrs. Hossack is only accused of a particular type of a crime without being found guilty yet. Her guilt can not be proven and so this excerpt is only an opinion. Once she is found guilty/unguilty, the opinion can change to a proven statement.

The correct answer would be

D) It is an opinion because it cannot be proven using objective evidence.