Distinguishing between fact and opinion is an example of reading comprehension skills. If you can identify facts and opinions in what you read, you are closer to what really happens in a story. When you know how to distinguish between fact and opinion based on what you read, you become a better reader.

If you are asked a question about something you read in your book, ask yourself the following questions:

— Is this fact?

— What would be a good opinion about this fact?

— What is the evidence for this opinion?

— How could I test the opinion?

— Is it true or false?

— Do I know why the person said what they did?

— You may also need to ask yourself, “How do I feel about this?

— What other opinions might there be about this fact? 

— Am I able to support my opinion?

Read and think about what you read in books or on the Internet. Then, ask yourself the questions above as you read. You can use this skill to help you understand how people really think. By thinking about how others think, you will be able to understand people better. You may also want to write down your thoughts. You can compare how you think with other people’s thoughts. This may help you see how other people think about things.

In addition, when you are reading for comprehension, ask yourself the following questions:

— Why is this person saying what he/she is saying?

— Can I find evidence to support what they are saying?

— Can I think of other reasons why someone might say what I am reading?

— Can I think of other reasons why someone might say what I am reading?

— Why do I believe what they are saying?

— Why is it important to know whether something is true or false?

— What will I learn if I decide to act on what I read?

— How would I go about changing my mind if I decided to act on what I read?

— What would happen if I acted on what I read?

— How would I know what to do?

— Do I know what other people think about this?

When you can do this, you will be able to answer the question you were asked and also you will be able to answer any questions you might be asked later.

When you read, you should make sure to know what you are reading. This means that you should know who is speaking, what they are saying, what the main character is doing, and what the setting is. You can then use what you know to understand what the author is trying to tell you.

You should look for evidence in the text. Evidence helps you decide whether an opinion is true or not. If you find evidence for an opinion, you should decide if you agree with it.

If the author mentions something in a book that you do not understand, look up the word in a dictionary or online.

If you read a book and you do not understand what is happening, look up the words in a dictionary.