Fact and Opinion — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A news report states the storm dropped six inches of rain, which is a fact.
Measurements from instruments are verifiable, so they count as facts in news writing.
2. A reporter writes the storm was the scariest ever, which is an opinion.
Feeling words reflect personal reaction rather than verified evidence, marking opinions in reporting.
3. If a journalist quotes a witness, the quoted feelings are still opinions.
Personal feelings expressed by witnesses are opinions even when reported accurately by a journalist.
4. A headline that says 'best decision ever' uses an opinion signal word.
Words like best act as signals because they reveal judgment instead of shared, checkable information.
5. The town's population is 12,500, according to the census, which is a fact.
Government data is gathered with set methods, so census numbers are verifiable facts.
6. Saying 'the mayor is the kindest person in town' is an opinion.
Ranking people by kindness depends on personal experience, so it is an opinion.
7. A reporter checks two sources before printing a claim, making it a stronger fact.
Checking several reliable sources is how journalists confirm that a claim qualifies as fact.
8. Calling a leader 'a hero' without evidence remains an opinion.
Admiring labels are opinions until supported by specific actions and verifiable details.
9. A graph showing test scores rose ten points is a fact display.
Numerical data on graphs is checkable, making the displayed information a fact rather than opinion.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
The new park is the most amazing place
→ The new park covers eight acres of land
The new park covers eight acres of land
Students think the test was unfair
→ The test contained twenty questions on fractions
The test contained twenty questions on fractions
The principal is the best leader
→ The principal has led the school for nine years
The principal has led the school for nine years
Voters should pick this candidate
→ The candidate has served on the city council twice
The candidate has served on the city council twice
Strong news writing replaces vague feelings with measurable evidence, helping readers form their own informed opinions.