IP3A-03
Fact vs. Opinion
Do you critically think about what you’re reading? When you’re reading, it is important to
distinguish between facts and opinions.
 A fact can be proven. It is true or false.
 An opinion is someone’s personal view, belief, or feelings.
For example, the following statement is a fact:
Seattle’s population dropped to 493,846 in 1980.
This information can be measured and proven to be true or false. However, this statement is
an opinion:
Seattle is the most beautiful city in the United States.
This is someone’s personal view. Beauty is subjective. This means that each individual may
have a different idea of what is beautiful. Maybe another person thinks that Seattle is
unattractive and prefers Chicago or New York.
Read the following sentences. Decide if they are facts or opinions.
1. Abraham Lincoln was the best president that the U.S. ever had. _______________
2. People in Seattle are friendlier than people in New York. _______________
3. Stephenie Meyer is a best-selling author. _______________
4. People should not be allowed to talk on their cell phone while driving. _______________
5. It is against the law to talk on your cell phone while driving unless you use a hands-free
device. _______________
6. Eating a vegetarian diet is the best way to stay healthy. _______________
7. The average Facebook user has 130 friends on Facebook. _______________
8. The transportation system in Seattle is too slow. _______________
9. Americans are obese. _______________
10. President Obama is the first African-American to be elected President of the United States.
_______________
Discuss your answers with a partner. Think about what words or phrases helped you
determine if the statement was a fact or an opinion.
TLC Project 2010 – Permission granted for classroom use only
IP3A-03
Fact vs. Opinion with Advice Column Letters
As you read the advice column letter, consider the facts and opinions in the situation that the
writer describes. If you read something that is a fact, put it under “I know that…”. If you have
an idea that is your opinion, put it under “I think that…”. Completing this chart will help you
organize your thoughts, so you can do better research.
I know that… (facts)
I think that… (opinions)
Compare your statements with your partner’s statements.
TLC Project 2010 – Permission granted for classroom use only