Debate · lesson 2 of 24 · free

Fact or opinion — Debate and group discussion

A fact can be checked: “Spiders have 8 legs.” An opinion is what someone thinks or feels: “Chess is boring.” Words like best, nicest, boring and should often signal an opinion. Debaters use both — the motion is usually an opinion, and facts are the evidence that make it convincing.

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Debater's tip

Can it be checked? — “if it can be proved true or false it is a fact; if people can disagree it is an opinion”

  1. Fact: can be checked and proved, for example by counting, measuring or a reliable book.
  2. Opinion: a belief or feeling; people can sensibly disagree. Watch for best, worst, nicest, boring, should.
  3. In a debate, back every opinion with facts.

Use it for: Reading news and forwards critically, preparing debate evidence and checking your own points.

Worked example: 🧐 Fact or opinion? “Mangoes taste best.” → an opinion

  1. “Best” is a judgement — someone else may like bananas more, and no test can prove one taste is best.
  2. So it is an opinion.

Check: Practise aloud: say three facts and three opinions about your school, and tell a partner which is which ✓

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✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 2 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Debate Worksheet: Fact or Opinion

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