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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 6

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 pentagon has five sides.
Camping is more fun than staying in a hotel.
Frogs are amphibians.
Board games are boring compared to video games.
The sun is a star.
Mornings are the best time of day.
A rectangle has four right angles.
Blue is the prettiest color for a bedroom.

2 Spot the Opinion Words

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

Statement	Opinion Clue Word
"Camping is the most relaxing way to spend a weekend."
"Everyone should visit a national park."
"That hike was way too difficult."
"This is the tastiest trail mix ever."

3 Change It!

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

Original	Rewritten
FACT: Frogs lay eggs in water.
OPINION: Camping is the most exciting way to spend a weekend.
FACT: The sun provides heat and light to Earth.

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 6.

Riddle: What can travel around the world while staying in one corner?

Explain how you knew.