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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 5

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?
A hexagon has six sides.
Swimming is the most relaxing exercise.
The heart pumps blood through the body.
Comic books are more fun to read than novels.
Sharks are fish.
Snow days should happen more often.
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth.
Video games are a waste of time.

2 Spot the Opinion Words

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

Statement	Opinion Clue Word
"This is the coolest video game ever made."
"Everyone should try swimming lessons."
"Homework on weekends is unfair."
"That was the scariest movie I've seen."

3 Change It!

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

Original	Rewritten
FACT: Sharks live in the ocean.
OPINION: Swimming is the most fun summer activity.
FACT: The heart is a muscle.

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 5.

Riddle: What gets wetter the more it dries?

Explain how you knew.