Fact and Opinion — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. An editorial states: 'Our town must build the most amazing pool ever, because three nearby towns built one.' Which part is opinion?
A) The most amazing pool ever
B) Three nearby towns built one
C) Our town must build a pool
D) Nearby towns are close by
The phrase most amazing ever ranks the pool using personal feeling, while the rest of the claim is checkable evidence.
2. An ad says: 'Buy our cereal! It is the healthiest choice, with twelve grams of protein.' Which part is fact?
A) Buy our cereal today
B) Twelve grams of protein
C) It is the healthiest choice
D) Our cereal is the best
Protein grams are tested and printed on labels, so the number is verifiable, while healthiest is a ranking opinion.
3. An editorial argues: 'School should start later because students sleep poorly.' Which detail would best support the opinion?
A) A neighbor likes morning lessons
B) A teacher prefers later mornings
C) A study showing teens need more sleep
D) A parent who drives to work
A study from researchers gives measurable evidence that backs the writer's opinion better than personal preferences.
4. An ad claims: 'Everyone agrees our shoes are the best.' Why is this an unsupported opinion?
A) The shoes are colorful and bright
B) The price is printed on the tag
C) Everyone is a vague claim with no proof
D) The shoes are sold in many sizes
Sweeping words like everyone cannot be verified, so the claim is an unsupported opinion that needs real survey data.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. An editorial uses a chart of recycling rates, so the chart counts as a fact.
Data collected and displayed in charts is verifiable, making it factual support for an argument.
2. When an ad claims 'doctors recommend' but names no doctors, the claim is an opinion.
Anonymous endorsements are opinions because no reader can confirm any doctor actually said that.
3. A persuasive piece using the word 'always' without evidence shows bias.
Words like always exaggerate situations, revealing the writer's bias rather than balanced, factual reporting.
4. If a writer cites a government report with numbers, the support is factual.
Public reports use measured data, so citing them strengthens an argument with factual support.
5. An editorial that ignores the other side's evidence is showing bias.
Leaving out opposing evidence creates a slanted argument, which is the definition of bias in writing.