Newsela: Distinguishing Facts from Opinions

What is a fact?

• A statement that cannot be proven

• A statement that expresses a feeling

• A statement that can be proven true

• A statement that includes adjectives

Which of the following is an example of a fact?

• Oysters make a delicious meal.

• I believe that dinosaurs never existed.

• Earth revolves around the sun.

• Chocolate chip cookie dough is the best flavor of ice cream.

What is an opinion?

• A statement that answers questions about how, when, or where

• A thought or idea about how someone feels

• A statement that can be proven with evidence

• A statement that is always true

Which clue word indicates a statement is an opinion?

• When

• I believe

• Where

• How

Which of the following statements is an opinion?

• In 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel into space.

• The sun is a star.

• Abraham Lincoln was the best president in US history.

• Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

What type of evidence is usually used to prove a fact?

• Personal feelings

• Scientific evidence

• Adjectives

• Opinions of others

Which of the following words is often found in opinion statements?

• Always

• When

• Where

• How

Why is it important to distinguish between fact and opinion?

• To prove all opinions are true

• To ignore media information

• To form views based on facts

• To always agree with others