Fact and Opinion — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The sentence 'I think the park is huge' is a fact.
Corrected: The sentence 'I think the park is huge' is an opinion.
Phrases like 'I think' or 'I believe' show personal judgment, so the statement is an opinion.
2. Fix the sentence:
The sentence 'You should eat vegetables' is a fact.
Corrected: The sentence 'You should eat vegetables' is an opinion.
Should is a signal word for advice or judgment, so this is an opinion, not a proven fact.
3. Fix the sentence:
The sentence 'That painting is the most beautiful' is a fact.
Corrected: The sentence 'That painting is the most beautiful' is an opinion.
Beautiful describes a feeling and cannot be proven true with evidence, so the sentence is an opinion.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Words like best, worst, and beautiful are opinion signal words.
Signal words help readers know that a sentence shows feelings or judgment, marking it as an opinion.
2. The phrase 'I believe' is a clue that the sentence is an opinion.
I believe shows a personal thought, which is a sign that the statement is an opinion, not a fact.
3. To prove a fact, you need evidence.
Evidence supports a fact and lets others check whether the statement is true or false.
4. The word 'ought' often signals an opinion.
Ought tells what someone believes is right, which is a judgment and therefore an opinion.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. List three signal words that often appear in opinions.
Sample answer: Three signal words for opinions are best, should, and I think. Other examples include worst, beautiful, and I believe.
These words show personal judgment and warn the reader that the sentence is an opinion, not a fact.
2. Why does the word 'should' usually signal an opinion?
Sample answer: Should signals an opinion because it tells what someone believes is right or best, and other people may disagree with that judgment.
Should expresses a personal judgment about behavior, which is a feeling that cannot be proven true with evidence.