Year 7 English: Distinguish Facts from Opinions

Introduction

Today, we are going to learn how to distinguish facts from opinions. This is an important skill that will help you understand what is true and what someone thinks or feels.

What is a Fact?

A fact is something that can be proven to be true or false. Facts are based on evidence and can be verified by checking reliable sources.

Example of a Fact:

• The Earth revolves around the Sun.
• Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius.

What is an Opinion?

An opinion is what someone thinks or feels about something. Opinions are personal and can vary from person to person. They cannot be proven true or false.

Example of an Opinion:

• Chocolate ice cream is the best flavour.
• School should start later in the day.

Key Rules to Distinguish Facts from Opinions

1. Check for Evidence: If something has proof, it’s likely a fact. If it’s just someone’s belief, it’s probably an opinion.
2. Look for Language Clues: Words like “I believe,” “I think,” or “in my opinion” often signal an opinion.
3. Ask Questions: Can you find proof? Is it something that everyone might see differently?
4. Use Reliable Sources: Facts can usually be found in books, news articles, and scientific reports. Opinions are often found in blogs, opinion pieces, and personal conversations.

Tips and Tricks

• Practice: Read different statements and decide if they are facts or opinions.
• Discuss: Talk about your examples with friends or family to see their views.
• Write It Down: Create two lists—one for facts and one for opinions to visualise the differences.

Practice Questions

Easy Level Questions

1. The sky is blue. (Fact or Opinion?)
2. Cats are better than dogs. (Fact or Opinion?)
3. London is the capital of England. (Fact or Opinion?)
4. Pizza is the tastiest food. (Fact or Opinion?)
5. Water is essential for life. (Fact or Opinion?)
6. Reading is boring. (Fact or Opinion?)
7. The sun rises in the east. (Fact or Opinion?)
8. Maths is the hardest subject. (Fact or Opinion?)
9. The Great Wall of China is long. (Fact or Opinion?)
10. Summer is the best season. (Fact or Opinion?)
11. Elephants are the largest land animals. (Fact or Opinion?)
12. Chocolate is better than vanilla. (Fact or Opinion?)
13. There are 24 hours in a day. (Fact or Opinion?)
14. Football is more exciting than basketball. (Fact or Opinion?)
15. The Pacific Ocean is the biggest ocean. (Fact or Opinion?)
16. Autumn leaves are beautiful. (Fact or Opinion?)
17. There are seven continents in the world. (Fact or Opinion?)
18. Ice cream melts in the sun. (Fact or Opinion?)
19. Science is more fun than history. (Fact or Opinion?)
20. Birds can fly. (Fact or Opinion?)

Medium Level Questions

1. It rained yesterday. (Fact or Opinion?)
2. I think we should have more holidays. (Fact or Opinion?)
3. Shakespeare is a famous playwright. (Fact or Opinion?)
4. I believe video games are a waste of time. (Fact or Opinion?)
5. The Eiffel Tower is in Paris. (Fact or Opinion?)
6. The book was better than the film. (Fact or Opinion?)
7. Trees provide oxygen. (Fact or Opinion?)
8. Maths is easier than English. (Fact or Opinion?)
9. The Titanic sank in 1912. (Fact or Opinion?)
10. My brother is the funniest person I know. (Fact or Opinion?)
11. The Amazon rainforest is home to many species. (Fact or Opinion?)
12. I think chocolate should be a food group. (Fact or Opinion?)
13. The Mona Lisa is a famous painting. (Fact or Opinion?)
14. I believe school lunches should be healthier. (Fact or Opinion?)
15. The Great Barrier Reef is in Australia. (Fact or Opinion?)
16. I think summer is too hot. (Fact or Opinion?)
17. Dolphins are intelligent animals. (Fact or Opinion?)
18. Ice cream is the best dessert. (Fact or Opinion?)
19. The Earth is round. (Fact or Opinion?)
20. Maths tests are too difficult. (Fact or Opinion?)

Hard Level Questions

1. Climate change is caused by human activity. (Fact or Opinion?)
2. I believe that social media has a negative impact on society. (Fact or Opinion?)
3. Vaccines are effective in preventing diseases. (Fact or Opinion?)
4. The Mona Lisa is overrated. (Fact or Opinion?)
5. The speed of light is approximately 299,792 km/s. (Fact or Opinion?)
6. I think science fiction is the most interesting genre. (Fact or Opinion?)
7. The human body has 206 bones. (Fact or Opinion?)
8. I believe that everyone should learn a second language. (Fact or Opinion?)
9. The average temperature on Earth is rising. (Fact or Opinion?)
10. I think that homework should be banned. (Fact or Opinion?)
11. The theory of evolution explains the diversity of life. (Fact or Opinion?)
12. I believe that fast food is unhealthy. (Fact or Opinion?)
13. Shakespeare wrote “Romeo and Juliet.” (Fact or Opinion?)
14. I think winter is the worst season. (Fact or Opinion?)
15. The universe is constantly expanding. (Fact or Opinion?)
16. I believe we should protect endangered species. (Fact or Opinion?)
17. Photosynthesis is how plants make their food. (Fact or Opinion?)
18. I think online learning is less effective than classroom learning. (Fact or Opinion?)
19. The Earth has one moon. (Fact or Opinion?)
20. I believe art should be more valued in education. (Fact or Opinion?)

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

1. Fact
2. Opinion
3. Fact
4. Opinion
5. Fact
6. Opinion
7. Fact
8. Opinion
9. Fact
10. Opinion
11. Fact
12. Opinion
13. Fact
14. Opinion
15. Fact
16. Opinion
17. Fact
18. Fact
19. Opinion
20. Fact

Medium Level Answers

1. Fact
2. Opinion
3. Fact
4. Opinion
5. Fact
6. Opinion
7. Fact
8. Opinion
9. Fact
10. Opinion
11. Fact
12. Opinion
13. Fact
14. Opinion
15. Fact
16. Opinion
17. Fact
18. Opinion
19. Fact
20. Opinion

Hard Level Answers

1. Fact
2. Opinion
3. Fact
4. Opinion
5. Fact
6. Opinion
7. Fact
8. Opinion
9. Fact
10. Opinion
11. Fact
12. Opinion
13. Fact
14. Opinion
15. Fact
16. Opinion
17. Fact
18. Opinion
19. Fact
20. Opinion

Conclusion

Now you understand how to distinguish between facts and opinions! Remember to look for evidence, check the language used, and ask questions. Keep practising, and soon it will become second nature to you!