Fact and Opinion — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. An ad reads: 'Our toothpaste is the freshest, used by nine of ten dentists in a 2024 study.' Which part is opinion?
A) Our toothpaste is the freshest
B) Used by nine of ten dentists
C) In a 2024 study
D) By dentists
Freshest is a ranking word that depends on personal taste, while the dentist study and date can be verified.
2. An editorial states: 'Recycling saves resources. Our city recycled 12,000 tons last year.' Which sentence is a fact?
A) Recycling saves resources only
B) Our city recycled 12,000 tons last year
C) Recycling is the kindest act
D) Saving resources is the best
Tonnage from last year can be checked in city records, so the second sentence is a verified fact.
3. A writer claims: 'Bike lanes should be added because biking is healthy and traffic is heavy.' Which detail is an opinion?
A) Traffic counts on city streets
B) The mayor's recent speech
C) Biking is the healthiest hobby
D) Bike lanes are made of paint
Calling biking the healthiest hobby ranks it without proof, while the other details are checkable, factual claims.
4. An editorial about libraries says: 'Books are amazing. Our library has 50,000 titles. Reading is wonderful.' Which support is strongest?
A) Books are amazing tools
B) Our library has 50,000 titles
C) Reading is wonderful for kids
D) Libraries are warm places
The 50,000 titles claim is measurable through library records, giving the writer concrete evidence beyond feelings.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. When a writer mixes facts and feelings without warning readers, that is hidden bias.
Hidden bias slips opinions in alongside facts, making it harder for readers to spot the writer's slant.
2. A claim with no source listed is usually treated as an unsupported opinion.
Unsourced claims are opinions until evidence appears, because no one can verify them with shared references.
3. Adding survey results from 200 students changes a feeling into a stronger fact.
Survey data turns vague impressions into measurable proof, strengthening a claim into a verifiable fact.
4. An ad that uses 'everyone loves' without proof shows biased language.
Words like everyone exaggerate appeal, revealing biased language that pushes readers toward one view.
5. Comparing two sources before trusting a claim is part of careful critical reading.
Critical reading checks evidence and source quality, helping readers separate solid facts from unsupported opinions.