Fact and Opinion Worksheets

Facts are statements that are either backed up directly by evidence or where evidence can easily be retrieved to prove it. Opinions are statements that are based on feelings, past experiences, or emotions. It is similar to the fiction versus nonfiction argument. Since the advent of the Internet, most learning standards have been leaning towards favoring facts. That makes a great deal of sense.



Prove It!
This is a fun one! If it is a fact, just tell how you can prove that it is. Read each statement and then circle whether it is a fact or opinion. If it's a fact, explain how it can be proven. If it is an opinion, simply write that it cannot be proven.

Identifying Fact and Opinion
Decide if there is enough evidence to validate something as a fact.

Write A Fact and an Opinion
We give you a theme and you write a fact based and opinion based sentence. One of each in sentence form please. Also don't forget to work our theme into each sentence.

Explaining Fact and Opinion
If it's a fact, explain how you could tell. We not only ask you to classify each sentence, we want you to tell us why too!

F or O? Fact or Opinion?
Simple determination of the point behind a sentence. Read the sentence and see if you could find evidence to determine that it is a fact or classify it as an opinion.

Why Is It A Fact Or Opinion?
A deep look into the focus of a series of sentences. These sentence are a bit less obvious in nature than the past version of this sheet.

Proof of Facts
How do you know it's a fact? Use what ever evidence you could find or think up to validate these as facts. If you can't validate them as facts, then they are opinions.

Using Both Fact and Opinion
This exact skill was a substantial part of a recent national core assessment. You probably want to cover this one. This is a well thought out worksheet. We give you a word / theme and you write a fact and opinion sentence that works with it.

Is it a fact or an opinion? Worksheet Version 1
We list random and common facts and opinions.

Is it a fact or an opinion? Worksheet Version 2

Compare and Contrast Worksheets
A really great mix for you.

Following Directions Worksheets
See if your students are paying attention to detail or just going through the motions.

Making Predictions Worksheets
We give you a scenario, you tell us what happens next.

Sorting and Classifying Worksheets
This is a serious review on important skills for all grade levels.


What is the Difference Between Facts and Opinions?

The primary difference between facts and opinions is that of truth and belief, with facts representing reality, whereas opinions are a mere representation of your beliefs.

As a researcher, a student, or even a professional, it is essential to understand the difference between the two. You must know when to state either of the two in your writing.

To separate information intelligently, one must know the art of separating a fact from an opinion.

Let's look at what facts and opinions are with the help of a few examples.

What are Facts?

Essentially, facts can be described as statements that can be supported or proven by evidence or documentation. A fact is something that has occurred, is accurate, and is an unchangeable reality. It is often termed as the proven truth.

Facts will always hold in all cases, at all times worldwide. It is important to remember that facts are universal and will remain factual no matter where you are.

Facts are written precisely and straightforwardly without biased words, leaving very little room for the reader to misunderstand or misinterpret them.

Webster's dictionary describes a fact as "anything that is done or happened; anything existent; any statement strictly true; truth; reality."

Facts are stand-alone and robust statements that can easily influence the other person because they are accurate, and there is no room for debate on their authenticity. Without any doubt, facts are and will always be the objective reality.

Here are a few examples of facts to help you understand the meaning deeply. Once you go over these examples, it will be easier for you to identify facts in real-life.

 

  1. Cats are mammals.
  2. The capital of New York is Albany.
  3. The tallest mountain on Earth above sea level is Mount Everest.
  4. The heart pumps blood through our bodies.
  5. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico.
  6. Valentine's day is celebrated on the 14th of February.

What are Opinions?

Unlike facts, opinions don't always represent the truth and are not supported by proof and documentation.

Opinions hold on to the element of belief and depict how someone feels, not the reality. Our feelings and beliefs are a product of our experiences and circumstances, and since every person has had varying experiences, their opinions differ. They represent a person's judgment about something based on their intelligence.

Opinions are merely speculations, assumptions, and subjective statements. They reflect differing perceptions people have, and they are expressed with bias. Due to this bias, opinions remain open to debate and misinterpretation.

Unlike facts, opinions don't have the power to instantly influence or convince someone regarding some things because they are not backed by evidence. They only come in handy when the other person holds a similar opinion, and both can mutually agree.

Sometimes opinions can be the product of someone's emotional outburst, which means they may not always be taken seriously, like facts. Especially in the court of law where facts help people win cases, opinions are often discredited due to a lack of evidence and documentation.

Here are some examples of opinions to help you understand what they are. Hopefully, after going through these, you will be better positioned to distinguish them from facts.

 

  1. Cats are the best pets!
  2. Italian food tastes the best.
  3. .Learning French is easy.
  4. Reading is fun.
  5. In my opinion, If he works hard, he will win the election.
  6. Snowboarding is a fun sport.

 

Ways to Differentiate Facts from Opinions

Without further ado, let us look at some valuable tips on how you can tell facts from an opinion.

1.Keep an eye out for words like should or ought - Words like ought or should suggest that a piece of advice is being given. The advice may be good, but it still won't be considered a fact. Even if your gut feeling is telling you to agree with the other person's advice, it will, by its very nature, hold the status of an opinion.

Let's look at an example to prove this.

If a person says, "you should avoid smoking," this is still an opinion even though it is supported by evidence. However, if one states, "Smoking is dangerous for health," This is a verified fact.

2.Look out for words that represent values or a judgment - Value or judgment words include best, great, worst, excellent, etc. For example, if someone says, "Sally is very tall," it leaves you with the question," how tall is very tall." Being tall is relative. Sally may not seem that tall or even a little tall for someone tall. So, look out for these words and statements.

3.Look out for opinions that may give you the false impression of being facts - 
Technical language may be confusing at times and may give you the impression that a fact is being started when, in reality, it is just an opinion.

An opinion remains as opinion even if presented by the most renowned researcher. If they cannot back theory with relevant and irrefutable information, the research will not hold the status of a fact. So, look out for confusing statements!


Quiz yourself

Now that you are looking at examples of facts and opinions and some tips on how to differentiate between us, it is a good idea to take a 'Fact or Opinion?' Quiz.
Assess how well you have done and work on areas that need improvements. For example, if you have termed a sentence that was a mere opinion as a fact, try to identify what made you do so. Learn from your mistakes. Good Luck!


People often find it difficult to distinguish facts from opinions. Remember that it is crucial to understand the difference between the two is your education and your professional careers.

If you want to convince someone, present them with a fact instantly, and you will have the power to change their minds.

However, if you are looking to tell someone your point of view and you have essentially no evidence to support your statements, present them with your opinions and be open for debate.

Always remember, facts will have more bearing over opinions. So always use them to support your writing! Cheers!