Watch: Fact and opinions
Learn about facts, opinions and bias.
TV Presenter: Breaking news! Breaking news! The new prime minister is a teenager!
Narrator: When you see the news on the TV or in newspapers, it's important to understand what kind of information you're getting.
Some of it is fact – things that are definitely true.
TV Presenter: The new prime minister is giving her first speech and is promising big changes!
Teenager: Double pocket money for everyone!
Narrator: But when people talk about what they think.
Pundit 1: She's a terrible prime minister!
Pundit 2: I don't agree! I really like her. And I think doubling pocket money is a really really good idea actually.
Narrator: That's what we call opinions.
If someone says something is good, or bad, it's not a fact, it's how they feel.
Sometimes people have already made their minds up about whether something's good or bad before they even know anything about it.
Pundit 3: All teens are smelly, and can't be trusted. Everybody knows that!
Narrator: That's called being biased.
If you think about what's fact, and what's just opinion, or bias, it's a lot easier to make sense of things.
What are facts?
Facts are definitely true.
They can be backed up with evidence.
For example:
The Prime Minister is giving a speech.
What are opinions?
Your opinion is how you feel.
Other people might think differently, they have a different opinion.
For example:
Having a teenager as Prime Minister is a terrible idea.
Watch: Super Movers facts and opinions
Watch this fun Super Movers video to learn more about facts and opinions.
Listen carefully because you’ll be answering some questions afterwards.
If you like, you can sing and dance along with Martin Dougan.
Sing a song about fact and opinion with Martin Dougan.
[MUSIC]
MARTIN
(spoken) Hey everyone! I’m Martin, and I’m a really good singer! Is that a fact, or an opinion? I’ll let you decide! Here we go!
(sung)
Is it fact or an opinion? (x2)
A fact is supported by evidence
No ifs or buts can’t sit on the fence
It’s correct 100%
There’s no place for an argument
It’s a fact
And that’s a fact
Is it fact or an opinion? (x2)
Opinion is subjective and exclusive to
An individual point of view
Or a belief you subscribe to
What you believe is up to you…
Opinion (x2)
Is it fact or an opinion? (x2)
A fact; the rain falls from the sky
Opinion: days are better when it’s dry
A fact: I’m standing here singing to you
Opinion: I love my singing and I’m sure you do too!
Is it fact or an opinion? (x2)
The earth revolves around the sun
Is that a fact or an opinion?
It’s a fact but wasn’t always known
With proof that’s what it has become
It’s a fact
And that’s a fact!
Is it fact or an opinion? (x2)
Opinions often sound like facts
But the evidence must be exact
People believe they speak the truth
But to be a fact there must be proof
It’s a fact
And that’s a fact!
Is it fact or an opinion? (x2)
Get together with your friends
Check out a list of statements
I guarantee that you’ll have fun
Mind you, that’s just my opinion!
It’s a fact (x2)
(Is it fact or an opinion? x3)
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
Decide which of the following statements are facts and which are opinions.
1. Pandas are cuter than meerkats.
2. The Houses of Parliament are in London.
3. Apples grow on trees.
4. My cat is the best cat in the world!
5. Ice cream is horrible.
6. Water will become ice if the temperature is cold enough.
If you read the sentence and think that someone might not agree with it then it’s an opinion. Facts are always right.
Activity 4
Below is a selection of different topics. You need to write one fact and one opinion for each topic.
Write your facts and opinions on paper in full sentences.
1. A singer or band of your choice
2. A fruit of your choice
3. Animals
4. School
5. Space
For example:
Fact: Tigers have stripes to help them hide better in their natural environment.
Opinion: Elephants are the funniest animals because of their big ears and trunks.
Play Crystal Explorers to get ready for SATs. game
In this game, use grammar, punctuation and spelling skills to explore jungles, caves and tombs on your mission!
More on Comprehension
Find out more by working through a topic
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