2. Facts
A statement of fact can be correct or
incorrect. You can check it by doing
research.
Mercury is the
Monkeys are
planet closest
mammals.
to the sun.
3. Opinions
A
statement of opinion cannot be proved
true or false. It is a belief or judgment. It
often contains a word of judgment, such
as best, should, or beautiful. It may begin
with the words In my opinion or I believe.
Bananas are
She is the
the best fruit in
coolest girl on
a summer day.
school!
4. Opinions
A
statement of opinion should be
supported. A valid opinion is supported
by facts or good logic. A faulty opinion
is not.
5. Fact and Opinion
Some
sentences contain both
statements of fact and statements of
It is the
opinion.
The size of a
author’s
opinion that the
whale is
beautiful.
blue whale
can be
proven.
The beautiful whale can grow
as big as 100 feet long!
6. A photo essay like Adelina’s Whales is
the best genre for fourth graders to read.
While it Is this statement a factAdelina’s Whales is
can be proven that or an opinion?
a photo essay, this statement contains an
opinion. Notice “best” is a judgment word.
7. La Laguna is the most amazing place for
Adelina to grow up.
Is this statement a fact or an opinion?
It cannot be proven true or false. It
involves a belief or judgment, feelings. It
might be a valid opinion, but it is not a fact.
8. Adelina has lived in La Laguna her whole
life.
This can statement a factA person could
Is this be proven. or an opinion?
research this statement.
9. Adelina and her family believe their
hometown is a special place.
It involves a belief or judgment. Notice
Is this statement a fact or an opinion?
that “believe” is one of words that signals
an opinion. However, there are facts in
the story that make this opinion valid.
10. Mother whales are proud parents. They
lift their babies up to show them off.
Is this statement a fact judgment.
It involves a belief oror an opinion? It
cannot be proven whether whales are
proud parents or not.
11. Whales brains are as large as a car’s
engine.
This can statement a factA person could
Is this be proven. or an opinion?
research this statement.
12. As
you read, try to
distinguish facts from
opinions.
Remember how to figure
out if a statement is a
fact or an opinion.
Remember that opinions
can be valid, but that
doesn’t make them facts.
