What is a Fact?

• A fact is something that is true and can be proven with evidence.
• Facts can be checked by using sources like books, scientific data, or historical records.
• Examples of facts:
• The Earth revolves around the Sun.
• A year has 12 months.

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What is an Opinion?

• An opinion is what someone thinks or feels about something.
• Opinions cannot be proven true or false because they are based on personal beliefs, feelings, or preferences.
• Examples of opinions:
• Ice cream is the best dessert.
• Summer is the most enjoyable season.

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Key Differences Between Facts and Opinions

Facts:

• Can be proven or verified.
• Are objective (not based on personal feelings).
• Example: The capital of France is Paris.

Opinions:

• Are based on personal thoughts, feelings, or beliefs.
• Are subjective (can vary from person to person).
• Example: Paris is the most beautiful city in the world.

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Why is it Important to Distinguish Between Facts and Opinions?

• Understanding the difference helps students evaluate information better.
• It helps them recognize truth versus belief in writing and conversations.
• Knowing the difference between facts and opinions is useful for reading news, writing essays, and having discussions.

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How to Identify a Fact

• Ask yourself:
• Can this be proven?
• Can I check this in a reliable source?
• Look for numbers, dates, and statements that can be verified.
• Example: A cheetah is the fastest land animal.

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How to Identify an Opinion

• Ask yourself:
• Is this someone’s feeling or belief?
• Does it use words like “best,” “worst,” “should,” or “believe”?
• Opinions often express preferences, likes, or dislikes.
• Example: Chocolate is the best ice cream flavor.

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Signal Words for Opinions

• Words like think, feel, believe, best, worst, should, and in my opinion often indicate that a statement is an opinion.
• Example: I think that dogs make the best pets.

let’s practice!