Fact and Opinion © Brent Coley 2008 | Pizza is the greatest! vs.

Fact A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false. - Pizza is a type of food. - California is a large state. - Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980.

Opinion An opinion is what someone thinks, feels or believes. - Pepperoni pizza is delicious. - California is the best state. - Everyone should visit Mount St. Helens.

Practice Time See if you can determine if the following sentences are facts or opinions.

Is this a fact or opinion? SpongeBob SquarePants is a popular television show for children.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? Mr. Coley is a 5 th grade teacher.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? Tovashal is the best school in the world.

Opinion – because it states what someone thinks, feels, or believes

Is this a fact or opinion? The Lord of the Rings was written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? The Lord of the Rings is a great trilogy of books.

Opinion – because it states what someone thinks, feels, or believes

Is this a fact or opinion? Everyone should read The Lord of the Rings.

Opinion – because it states what someone thinks, feels, or believes

Is this a fact or opinion? In 2008, the Olympic Games were held in China.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? Olympic athletes train hard to prepare themselves for competition.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? Watching the Olympics is so much fun!

Opinion – because it states what someone thinks, feels, or believes

Is this a fact or opinion? Swimming is the most exciting sport in the Olympics.

Opinion – because it states what someone thinks, feels, or believes

Is this a fact or opinion? Some schools have iPods for students to use.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? iPods are very popular among teenagers.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? iPods can be used to listen to music, view pictures, and watch movies.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? Everyone needs an iPod.

Opinion – because it states what someone thinks, feels, or believes

Is this a fact or opinion? Apples are better than bananas.

Opinion – because it states what someone thinks, feels, or believes

Is this a fact or opinion? Bananas are a good source of potassium.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? Dogs are excellent pets.

Opinion – because it states what someone thinks, feels, or believes

Is this a fact or opinion? Dogs can be taught to do tricks.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? North America has the highest population of dogs in the world.

Fact – because it can be proven true or false

Is this a fact or opinion? Dogs are better pets than cats.

Opinion – because it states what someone thinks, feels, or believes

Title images courtesy of Microsoft Office Online.