Fact and Opinion

Which of these statements is a fact?

• “It is not healthy for boys and girls to play together.”

• “Sharks have existed for millions of years.”

• “It is not safe to have dogs in schools.”

• “Computers are confusing and hard to use.”

Read the statements and identify the fact.

• Chocolate ice cream is the tastiest.

• All dogs enjoy swimming.

• Owning a pet invovles a lot of responsibility.

• Spring is the best season for taking walks.

What words are clues that something might be an opinion?

• Think

• Feel

• Should / Should Not

• All of the above

Which of these statements is an opinion?

• “There are more people in China than in any other country.”

• “In 20 years, I believe Brazilian music will be the most popular music on Earth.”

• “I think there are only 48 states in the USA.”

• “Elaine is allergic to sushi. She doesn’t feel good when she eats it.”

What is the difference between a fact and an opinon?

• A fact can be proven (shown to be true). An opinion cannot.

• An opinion can be proven (shown to be true), a fact cannot.

• Facts are found in newspapers, opinions are not.

• Facts and opinions are not different.

There are more head and spinal injuries each year from cheerleading than all other sports combined.

• Fact

• Opinion

How do we know that a fact is true?

• Many people believe it.

• Someone important or smart said it.

• I believe it, so it is true.

• There is evidence (proof) that shows it’s true.

Choose the fact.

• Chocolate candy is the best desert.
• Everyone should eat peanut butter.
• George Washington was the first president of the United States

Can facts be untrue?

• Yes, they can.

• Yes, facts are always untrue.

• No, if something is untrue, then it is not a fact.

• No, both facts and opinions are always true.

“Old journals and diaries tell us that many European settlers came to America to escape danger, hunger, and poverty. Others came to just to start a new life. Historical records show that some were even criminals, and were sent to the new world as punishment.” These sentences are examples of ...

• facts

• opinions

• facts and opinions

• sentences without facts or opinions