English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Identify an author's statement of opinion
Identify an author's statement of opinion
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between a statement of fact and a statement of opinion.
Identify specific signal words and phrases that indicate an opinion.
Locate an author's statement of opinion within a paragraph or short text.
Explain why a given statement is an opinion, using evidence from the text.
Analyze how an author uses opinions to persuade a reader.
Recognize that an author's opinion is different from a summary of events.
Is pizza the most delicious food in the world? 🍕 Your answer is an opinion, and authors use them all the time!
In this lesson, you will become a detective, learning how to spot an author's personal beliefs and judgments in their writing. Understanding opinions helps us become smarter readers who can think critically about what...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
OpinionA belief, feeling, or judgment about something that cannot be proven to be true or false for everyone.The statement 'Blue is the best color' is an opinion because it's based on personal preference.
FactA statement that can be proven true or false with evidence, like data, observation, or records.The statement 'The Earth revolves around the Sun' is a fact because it can be proven with scientific evidence.
Author's Point of ViewThe author's personal perspective, attitude, or set of beliefs about a topic, which is often expressed through opinions.An author writing that 'recycling is the most important duty of a citizen' is sharing their point of view on environmental responsibility.
Signal WordsClue words that often in...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Provability Test
Ask yourself: Can this statement be proven true or false with evidence?
If you can't prove it with facts, numbers, or direct observation that everyone would agree on, it is likely an opinion. Facts can be checked in a book or on a trusted website; opinions cannot.
The Signal Word Hunt
Look for words that signal feelings, beliefs, or judgments.
Authors often use specific words to show they are sharing a personal thought. Be on the lookout for words like 'I think,' 'believe,' 'feel,' 'should,' 'ought to,' 'best,' 'worst,' 'greatest,' 'always,' and 'never'.
The Emotion Check
Identify words that describe feelings or judgments (subjective language)....
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Challenging
Read the passage: 'Our town's annual Founder's Day festival is a beloved tradition. However, the festival has become too crowded and expensive. The fireworks display, once spectacular, is now just mediocre. I think it's time for the town to create a new, more exciting celebration.' What is the author's overall point of view on the festival?
A.The festival is a tradition that should not be changed.
B.The festival is no longer as good as it used to be and needs to be replaced.
C.The fireworks display is the most important part of the festival.
D.The festival is too expensive for most families to attend.
Challenging
An author writes, 'The new law requiring bicycle helmets is an absolutely brilliant idea.' What is the most likely reason the author chose the word 'brilliant' instead of 'good'?
A.To provide a factual detail about the law.
B.To show that the author is not sure about their opinion.
C.To express an extremely strong, positive judgment and persuade the reader more effectively.
D.To summarize the main points of the new law.
Challenging
Passage A: 'All students should be required to learn coding. I believe it is the most critical skill for the future.' Passage B: 'Coding can be a useful skill. Our school offers an optional coding class on Tuesdays.' Which statement accurately compares the authors' use of opinion?
A.Both passages contain only facts and no opinions.
B.Passage B uses stronger opinions to persuade the reader than Passage A.
C.Passage A states facts, while Passage B states opinions.
D.Passage A uses a strong statement of opinion to persuade, while Passage B presents information without a strong persuasive opinion.
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