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Year 3 English Critical Thinking

Fact vs Opinion

A fact can be checked and proven true. An opinion is what someone thinks or believes — and not everyone has to agree.

What You Need to Know

A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false using evidence — everyone can check it. For example: The Earth orbits the Sun. An opinion is a personal view or belief — it cannot be proven and people may disagree. For example: Summer is the best season. Being able to tell the difference between facts and opinions is an important critical thinking skill.

Key Concepts

Fact

Can be proven true or false

Opinion

A personal view or belief

Opinion Words

I think, I believe, should, best

Evidence

Data that proves a fact

Examples of Facts

  • Australia is the world's largest island.
  • A triangle has three sides.
  • Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius.
  • There are 365 days in a regular year.

Examples of Opinions

  • Pizza is the most delicious food.
  • Maths is harder than English.
  • Everyone should have a pet.
  • Winter is better than summer.

Key Vocabulary

Fact

A statement that can be proven true or false with evidence, e.g. The sun is a star.

Opinion

A personal belief or view that cannot be proven — people can disagree, e.g. The sun is beautiful.

Bias

When a text favours one side — it presents opinions as if they were facts to sway the reader.

Critical Thinking

The ability to question and analyse what you read, rather than accepting everything as true.

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which statement is a fact?

Question 2

Which sentence is an opinion?

Question 3

Which word MOST likely signals an opinion?

Question 4

Why is it important to tell the difference between facts and opinions?

Key Concepts Summary