Compare two sentences

Sentence A: There are four balls.

Sentence B: I think math is fun.

The ideas in each sentence fall into two separate categories. Can you figure out some ways the ideas are different from each other?

Sentence 1: 6 is a number.

Sentence 2: I think sports are hard.

The ideas in each sentence fall into two separate categories. Can you figure out some ways the ideas are different from each other?

Now, looking at all the sentences (A, B, 1, and 2):

• How are two sentences most alike?
• How are the other two sentences that are left most alike?

You may choose to use a Venn or Carroll Diagram provided below to help you sort them, or simply discuss and record what you discuss.

A Venn Diagram is a picture of two circles which shows the similarities and differences of two things. A Carroll Diagram is a picture (table) which helps sort different things and ideas.

Venn diagram

Use the Venn Diagram Graphic Organizer in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document help guide you and to check over your work.

Carroll diagram

Use the Carroll Diagram Template in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document help guide you and to check over your work.

Is the statement a FACT or OPINION?

One way to sort the Minds On sentences is into two separate categories: FACT or OPINION.

Think about which Minds On sentence statements are FACTS. Think about which Minds On sentence statements are OPINIONS. (The sentence statement CANNOT BOTH be a fact and an opinion. It must be either a fact OR an opinion).

It’s good to have some facts or have a reason (or more) to explain and support YOUR OWN OPINION, even though you may find that the opinions of others are not explained nor supported, (or maybe don’t make sense).

An OPINION is a view that someone has about something based on their own beliefs.

Which of the four Minds On sentence statements are opinions? (Hint: there are two opinion statements)

• There are 4 balls.
• I think math is fun.
• 6 is a number.
• I think sports are hard.

Opinions

Whether or not you chose the two statements, you are learning as now you know for sure that these sentence statements are OPINIONS. We will now call these two sentence statements opinions.

Maybe each person you asked gave you reasons and/or maybe they also gave some facts.

FACTS cannot be argued.

FACTS are things that are known to be TRUE or proven (proof or evidence) to be TRUE. Dates, events, things we see, such as the number of items you see are FACTS.

Which Minds On sentence statements are facts?

• There are 4 balls.
• I think math is fun.

The sentence statement: "There are 4 balls" is a fact.

It cannot be argued. It is true there are 4 balls in the image. We can see or touch the number of items put before us. This is our proof. If someone tries to convince you or confuse you, you know the truth.

• 6 is a number.
• I think sports are hard.

The sentence statement: "6 is a number" is a fact.

It cannot be argued. Six is a number: 6. That’s it.

We can see or touch the number of items put before us. This is our proof. People may try to convince you or confuse you otherwise, but this is indeed a fact.

We often work with facts like observations, measurements, and proofs in subjects like science, math, news reporting, sports, history, geography, and the arts.

Maybe you can think of other instances where we encounter or work with facts. The world is full of facts!

There are scientific proofs, theorems and laws of the Universe. For example, an apple falling off a tree follows the Law of Gravity and will always fall to the ground on Earth.

It is also true that the sides of a square are always equal. That is the definition of a square.

Fruits and vegetables have important nutrients and vitamins our bodies need to be healthy.

You are a child, not an adult. You are officially considered an adult when you turn 18 years old.

These are facts.

Brainstorm and record 2-3 facts and 2-3 opinions. Share your lists with a partner, if possible.

We can agree or disagree with an opinion. Opinions can change. Opinions can be argued.

Facts are things that happened and are true.

Fact or Opinion – You Decide

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity?  Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.

Discover More