Fact and opinion — Media, 7–10 years
A fact can be checked against evidence, while an opinion is a judgement or feeling. Learning the difference helps you understand news, comments and conversations without confusing them.
Checkable or judged?
A fact says something that can be checked, such as “The film starts at six.” An opinion tells what someone thinks or feels, such as “The film is brilliant.” Opinions matter, but they are not proof that everyone will agree.
Why the difference matters
People often need to decide whether a claim is reliable before repeating it or acting on it. Separating facts from opinions began with the need to discuss evidence fairly, especially when reports or arguments disagreed. It lets you ask for a source without treating a feeling as a lie.
Sorting three sentences
Read these sentences about a playground: “The gate opens at 9” is a fact because a timetable can check it. “The playground has two swings” is a fact if you count them. “It is the best playground” is an opinion because “best” is a judgement. The first two need evidence; the last needs reasons.
A confident voice is not proof
A common mistake is to accept a statement as fact because a presenter says it confidently. That is understandable: confidence sounds like knowledge, and presenters may know a lot. Still, check whether the claim has evidence, a named source or a way to test it.
News, reviews and posts
This skill helps when you read a news report, a book review, a sports comment or a post in a group chat. You can respect someone’s opinion while still asking which parts are checkable and whether the evidence really supports the claim.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…