Stating Opinions
Learn
Everyone has opinions! An opinion is what you think or believe about something. Let us learn how to share our opinions in writing!
What Is an Opinion?
An opinion is what you think, feel, or believe about something. It is your personal view.
Opinions can be different for different people - and that is okay!
Opinion vs. Fact
- Fact: Something that is true and can be proven. "Dogs have four legs."
- Opinion: What someone thinks or believes. "Dogs are the best pets."
Not everyone has to agree with an opinion!
Words That Show an Opinion
These words often start opinion sentences:
- I think...
- I believe...
- I feel...
- In my opinion...
- The best... is...
- My favorite... is...
- I like... because...
Opinion Words
These words often appear in opinions:
- best, worst
- favorite
- should, should not
- better, worse
- most, least
- beautiful, boring, fun, exciting
Worked Examples
Example 1: Identifying an Opinion
Which is an opinion?
A) Apples grow on trees.
B) Apples are the best fruit.
Answer: B) "Apples are the best fruit."
This is an opinion because not everyone agrees. Some people might think oranges or bananas are the best!
A is a fact - apples really do grow on trees.
Example 2: Writing an Opinion Statement
Topic: Your favorite season
Opinion statement: "I think summer is the best season."
This clearly states what you believe about the topic!
Example 3: Changing a Fact to an Opinion
Fact: "Pizza has cheese on it."
Opinion: "I believe pizza is the most delicious food."
The fact tells something true. The opinion tells what someone thinks!
Example 4: Using Opinion Starters
Topic: Recess
Different ways to state your opinion:
- "I think recess is the best part of the day."
- "In my opinion, recess should be longer."
- "I believe every school needs recess."
- "I feel happy when it is time for recess."
Example 5: Strong Opinion Statements
Weak: "Cats are okay."
Strong: "I believe cats make the perfect pets."
A strong opinion statement is clear about what you think!
Practice Problems
Practice identifying and writing opinions!
Problem 1: Is this a fact or an opinion? "Ice cream is cold."
Show Answer
Fact - Ice cream really is cold. Everyone would agree!
Problem 2: Is this a fact or an opinion? "Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor."
Show Answer
Opinion - Not everyone agrees. Some people like other flavors better!
Problem 3: Write an opinion about your favorite book.
Show Answer
Example: "I think [book name] is the best book because it is exciting and fun to read."
Problem 4: Which word makes this an opinion? "Summer is the BEST season."
Show Answer
"best" - This word shows it is someone's opinion, not a fact.
Problem 5: Write an opinion about school lunches.
Show Answer
Examples: "I think school lunches should have more pizza." or "In my opinion, school lunches are delicious."
Problem 6: Is this a fact or opinion? "There are 7 days in a week."
Show Answer
Fact - This is true and everyone agrees!
Problem 7: Start this opinion with "I believe": Topic - homework
Show Answer
Example: "I believe homework helps students learn" or "I believe homework should be shorter."
Problem 8: Is this a fact or opinion? "Elephants are bigger than mice."
Show Answer
Fact - This is true and can be proven.
Problem 9: Write an opinion using "I think" about a movie or TV show.
Show Answer
Example: "I think [movie name] is the funniest movie ever."
Problem 10: Write an opinion about your favorite animal.
Show Answer
Example: "In my opinion, dogs are the most loyal animals" or "I believe dolphins are the smartest animals."
Check Your Understanding
Question 1: What is an opinion?
Show Answer
An opinion is what you think, feel, or believe about something. It is your personal view.
Question 2: What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?
Show Answer
A fact is something true that can be proven. An opinion is what someone thinks or believes - people can have different opinions.
Question 3: Name three words that can start an opinion sentence.
Show Answer
"I think," "I believe," "I feel," "In my opinion," "My favorite"
Question 4: Why is it important to clearly state your opinion?
Show Answer
Clearly stating your opinion helps others understand what you think and why. It is the first step in opinion writing!
Next Steps
- Notice: Look for opinions in the books you read
- Practice: Write opinion sentences about things you like
- Next Lesson: Learn how to give reasons that support your opinion!
- Discuss: Share your opinions with friends and family