Tell a Fact Apart From an Opinion
Quill the writing guide perches on a library table surrounded by open newspapers, nonfiction books, and sticky notes, holding up two cards — one labeled FACT and one labeled OPINION — with a curious grin, ready to sort a messy pile of sentences with the learner.
- Explain the difference between a fact and an opinion in your own words.
- Identify signal words and phrases that often introduce opinions.
- Decide whether a statement is a fact or an opinion, and justify your reasoning.
- Compare two sentences side by side and determine which one can be verified and which one cannot.
Key terms
- fact
- something you can check and prove
- opinion
- what a person thinks or feels
- signal word
- a word that often shows an opinion
- prove
- to show something is really true
What Is A Fact
A fact is something true that you can check. You can look it up, count it, or see it with your own eyes. Everybody who checks gets the same answer. For example, a cat has four legs. You can count them! That is a fact. Facts do not change just because someone wants them to. They stay true no matter who is asking.
What Is An Opinion
An opinion is what one person thinks or feels. It can be different for each person, and that is okay! You might love pizza, but your friend might love tacos more. Neither of you is wrong. You cannot prove a feeling is true. Listen for opinion signal words like best, worst, fun, boring, or I think. They give a hint!
Worked examples
Is this a fact or opinion sentence?
- Read it: "Summer is the best season of the year."
- Ask: can I check and prove this is true?
- Notice the signal word best, which shows a feeling.
Answer: It is an opinion
Activity
Sort each sentence into the FACT bucket or the OPINION bucket by dragging it to the right side.
Practice
Read each sentence and say if it is a fact or opinion.
Circle the opinion signal word in each silly sentence.
Common mistakes to avoid
- If many people agreeAn opinion stays an opinion even when lots of people agree.
Check your understanding
Which sentence is a FACT?
A classmate says: "I think recycling is important because it helps the environment." What part of this sentence is an OPINION?
Which word is a common SIGNAL WORD that often introduces an opinion?
Read these two sentences: (A) "Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth." (B) "Mount Everest is the most amazing mountain on Earth." Which sentence is the FACT, and why?
Recap
A fact is something you can check and prove, and it stays true for everyone. An opinion is what a person thinks or feels, and it can be different for each of us. Watch for signal words!
Reflect
Tell one fact and one opinion about your day.