Shane gazed skeptically out the kitchen window of the home his family was contemplating purchasing. The house was fine, but the yard was just a muddy field with some stark, leafless trees at the far end. Observing Shane's dismayed expression, his mom came over to him. "Imagine how beautiful that lawn will be by next summer, after we plant grass," she said. "And the trees are in the ideal spot to create afternoon shade. With a little landscaping, this yard will be the envy of the neighborhood." Which assertion would be easiest to objectively verify? The trees are in the ideal spot to create shade. The lawn will be beautiful by next summer. The yard will be the envy of the neighborhood.