Year 6 English: Identifying An Author’s Statement Of Opinion

📚 Detailed Explanation of Identifying an Author’s Statement of Opinion

When you are reading a text in Year 6 English, it is important to know how to identify an author’s statement of opinion. An author’s opinion is what the writer thinks or believes about a topic. It is different from a fact, which is something that can be proven true or false.

📝 What is an Author’s Statement of Opinion?

An author’s statement of opinion is a sentence or phrase that shows what the author personally thinks or feels. It often uses words that show feelings, beliefs, or ideas rather than facts. For example:

• “I believe chocolate ice cream is the best flavour.”
• “Dinosaurs were the most fascinating creatures to ever live.”

In these sentences, the author is sharing their personal view, not a fact that everyone can prove.

❓ Why is it Important to Identify Opinions?

Knowing an author’s opinion helps you understand their point of view and why they have written the text. It also helps you decide if you agree or disagree with what they say. This skill is important for Year 6 students because it improves reading comprehension and allows you to think critically about what you read.

🔍 Tips for Identifying an Author’s Opinion

Here are some helpful tips Year 6 students can use to spot an author’s statement of opinion:

1. Look for Opinion Words: Words like “believe,” “think,” “feel,” “prefer,” “best,” “worst,” or “should” often show opinions.
2. Notice Emotions or Strong Language: If the author uses words that show strong feelings or judgement, like “terrible,” “amazing,” or “unfair,” they are probably giving their opinion.
3. Check if It Can Be Proven: Ask yourself if the statement can be checked or proven with facts. If it can’t, it is likely an opinion.
4. Identify Qualifying Words: Words like “might,” “could,” or “sometimes” suggest the author is not stating a fact but sharing an opinion.
5. Read Carefully for Clues: Sometimes, an author explains why they think something in a text. These reasons often support their opinion.

💡 Example

• Statement of fact: “The sky is blue.”
• Statement of opinion: “The sky looks more beautiful at sunset.”

By practicing these tips, Year 6 students can become confident in identifying an author’s statement of opinion, which will help them in reading and writing tasks following the National Curriculum.

📝 20 Examination-Style Questions with Answers on Identifying an Author’s Statement of Opinion

Question 1

Read the sentence: “Chocolate ice cream is the best flavour to enjoy on a sunny day.” Is this a statement of fact or opinion?
Answer: Opinion.
Explanation: The phrase “the best flavour” is based on personal preference, not a fact everyone agrees on.

Question 2

Which sentence contains an author’s opinion?
a) The sun rises in the east.
b) Teachers are amazing because they help us learn new things.
Answer: b) Teachers are amazing because they help us learn new things.
Explanation: “Teachers are amazing” expresses a personal feeling, not a fact.

Question 3

Identify the opinion in this sentence: “I think maths is the most useful subject at school.“
Answer: “Maths is the most useful subject at school.”
Explanation: This shows the author’s personal belief, not a proven fact.

Question 4

Is the sentence “Dogs are friendlier than cats” a fact or an opinion?
Answer: Opinion.
Explanation: Friendliness varies from person to person; it’s a personal view, not a verified fact.

Question 5

Which part of the sentence shows opinion?
“London is a busy city, and I love living here because it’s exciting.“
Answer: “I love living here because it’s exciting.”
Explanation: This is the author’s personal feeling, not a factual statement.

Question 6

Is this statement fact or opinion? “Water boils at 100°C.“
Answer: Fact.
Explanation: This is a scientific fact that can be tested and proven.

Question 7

Find the opinion statement:
“The book was boring and didn’t keep my attention.“
Answer: The entire statement is opinion.
Explanation: “Boring” and “didn’t keep my attention” are based on the author’s personal feeling.

Question 8

Does the sentence “My favourite sport is football because it’s so exciting” contain an opinion?
Answer: Yes.
Explanation: “My favourite sport” and “it’s so exciting” are personal opinions.

Question 9

Identify the sentence that is an opinion.
a) Tigers are the largest cat species.
b) Tigers are the most beautiful animals in the world.
Answer: b) Tigers are the most beautiful animals in the world.
Explanation: Beauty is a matter of opinion, not fact.

Question 10

Is this an opinion or fact? “I believe chocolate cake is tastier than vanilla.“
Answer: Opinion.
Explanation: Taste is subjective and depends on personal preference.

Question 11

Choose the opinion:
a) Rain falls from clouds.
b) Rainy days make me feel gloomy and sad.
Answer: b) Rainy days make me feel gloomy and sad.
Explanation: This describes the author’s emotions, which is an opinion.

Question 12

Is the sentence “The library is old and needs fixing” a fact or an opinion?
Answer: Opinion.
Explanation: Saying it “needs fixing” is the author’s view, not a measurable fact.

Question 13

Find the statement of opinion:
“My cat is the cleverest animal.“
Answer: The whole sentence is an opinion.
Explanation: “Cleverest” is subjective and cannot be proven.

Question 14

Is this fact or opinion? “Football is popular worldwide.“
Answer: Fact.
Explanation: Football’s worldwide popularity is supported by evidence.

Question 15

Which sentence shows opinion?
a) The sky is blue on a clear day.
b) The sky looks more beautiful in the evening.
Answer: b) The sky looks more beautiful in the evening.
Explanation: “More beautiful” is a matter of opinion.

Question 16

Does this sentence express an opinion? “Books are better than video games.“
Answer: Yes.
Explanation: This is a personal preference, not a fact.

Question 17

Is “Swimming is good exercise” fact or opinion?
Answer: Opinion (but could be supported by facts).
Explanation: While many agree, “good” can be subjective depending on personal views.

Question 18

Identify the author’s opinion:
“I believe summer holidays are the best time of the year.“
Answer: “Summer holidays are the best time of the year.”
Explanation: This is based on personal belief, not an objective fact.

Question 19

Is “Elephants are heavier than lions” fact or opinion?
Answer: Fact.
Explanation: This can be proven by weight measurements.

Question 20

Find the opinion in this sentence:
“Recycling is important because it helps protect the environment.“
Answer: The word “important” is an opinion.
Explanation: While many support recycling, “important” reflects a viewpoint rather than an undeniable fact.