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:
I think dogs make the best pets in the world.
Corrected: Dogs are mammals that people often keep as pets.
'I think' and 'best' show a viewpoint, while the corrected sentence shares only verifiable information.
2. Fix the sentence:
Everyone believes that summer is the most fun season.
Corrected: Summer is the warmest season in many regions.
'Most fun' is a viewpoint, but warmth in summer is a measurable seasonal fact.
3. Fix the sentence:
Soccer is clearly the greatest sport ever invented.
Corrected: Soccer is a sport played by millions of people worldwide.
'Clearly' and 'greatest' signal opinion, while the corrected sentence reports a checkable fact about participation.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Writers often signal opinions with words like 'best,' 'worst,' and greatest.
Superlatives such as best, worst, and greatest reveal a writer's perspective rather than evidence.
2. Phrases such as 'I believe' and 'I think' show that the writer is sharing a viewpoint.
'I believe' and 'I think' are personal phrases that introduce opinions.
3. A statement supported by data, dates, or measurements is a fact.
Data and measurements provide evidence that turns a claim into a fact.
4. Words like 'amazing,' 'awful,' and 'beautiful' usually point to an opinion.
Such describing words show how the writer feels, signaling an opinion.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Name two clue words that often signal an author's opinion.
Sample answer: Two clue words are 'best' and 'should.' These words show the writer's viewpoint instead of giving evidence that can be checked.
Clue words like 'best' and 'should' help readers spot opinions in any passage.
2. How does a writer signal a fact in a passage?
Sample answer: A writer signals a fact by giving numbers, dates, names, or evidence from a reliable source so readers can check the information themselves.
Specific evidence and reliable sources turn a statement into a verifiable fact.