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Critical Thinking – Fact vs. Opinion

Critical Thinking · Level 3 · Worksheet 2 of 5 · CCSS: RI.3.8, W.3.1 · Practice Set 2

Level 3 ⭐⭐⭐

1 Fact or Opinion?

📋 A FACT can be proven true. An OPINION is what someone thinks or feels.

Fact: "Water freezes at 32°F." (This can be tested and proven.)

Opinion: "Pizza is the best food ever." (This is how someone feels.)

Statement	F or O?
The Earth has one moon.
Strawberry ice cream is the tastiest flavor.
A triangle has three sides.
Rainy days are more relaxing than sunny days.
Spiders have eight legs.
Reading is more fun than watching TV.
Water boils at 212°F at sea level.
Winter is the most beautiful season.

2 Spot the Opinion Words

👀 Opinion clue words: best, worst, should, beautiful, boring, favorite, always, never (when subjective).

Statement	Opinion Clue Word
"That was the most beautiful painting I've seen."
"Everyone should try painting at least once."
"Math class is so boring."
"This is the worst weather we've ever had."

3 Change It!

🔄 Rewrite each FACT as an OPINION, and each OPINION as a FACT.

Original	Rewritten
FACT: The moon orbits the Earth.
OPINION: Art class is the best part of the day.
FACT: A week has seven days.

4 Write Your Own

✍️ Write 2 facts and 2 opinions about your school.

Fact 1:

Fact 2:

Opinion 1:

Opinion 2:

4 Explain Your Reasoning (SBA Practice)

On the state test, you need to explain HOW you think, not just WHAT you think. Practice explaining your reasoning clearly.

Question: Write one statement that SOUNDS like a fact but is actually an opinion. Then explain how someone could tell the difference.

My answer:

How I figured it out (explain step by step):

How I know my answer makes sense:

+ Bonus Thinking Practice

Use this quick challenge for Set 2.

Riddle: The more you take away from me, the larger I become. What am I?

Explain how you knew.