Ready to rock the ParaPro Reading Practice Test? Our guide makes mastering facts and opinions super clear, so you can excel as a teaching assistant!
What Are Facts & Opinions?
This section of our ParaPro Study Guide explores the ability to differentiate facts and opinions, a key skill for the ParaPro Exam. Facts are statements supported by verifiable evidence, such as statistics or historical events, while opinions are personal beliefs or judgments that cannot be proven true or false. As a paraprofessional, recognizing these distinctions helps you guide students in critical reading and writing, enhancing their analytical skills in classroom settings.
Mastering this skill prepares you for exam questions and equips you to support students in discerning reliable information from subjective views.
Why Facts & Opinions Matter
About 10-15 of the 90 questions, focusing on application, test your ability to identify facts and opinions, assessing your comprehension and critical thinking skills. This is crucial for interpreting persuasive and informative texts, skills you’ll use daily as a teaching assistant to help students evaluate sources, understand author intent, and engage with diverse perspectives in the classroom.
Types of Classroom Skills
Discerning Facts and Opinions
The ParaPro exam often includes questions requiring you to determine if a sentence or detail is a fact or opinion, testing your ability to distinguish between objective information and subjective views. A fact is a statement backed by evidence, such as data, research, or historical records (e.g., “The population of New York City is over 8 million”), while an opinion reflects personal belief or feeling, unprovable as true or false (e.g., “New York City is the best place to live”). Look for language cues: facts often use “according to,” “research shows,” or “statistics indicate,” while opinions may include “I think,” “should,” or “in my opinion.” Persuasive texts lean toward opinions but may embed facts to support arguments, whereas informative texts prioritize facts. Understanding this balance is key to analyzing an author’s purpose and supporting student comprehension.
Example 1
Directions: Use the passage below to answer the question that follows.
The study found that 75% of students improved their grades. This proves schools should focus more on this method.
Question: Which statement is an opinion?
- A) The study found that 75% of students improved their grades
- B) This proves schools should focus more on this method
Answer: B) This proves schools should focus more on this method
Explanation: The first statement is a fact with statistical evidence, while the second is an opinion using “should,” suggesting a personal belief. Test tip: Watch for action words like “should”!
Example 2
Directions: Use the passage below to answer the question that follows.
According to NASA, Mars has a diameter of 6,792 km. Exploring Mars is the most exciting space mission.
Question: Which is a fact?
- A) Mars has a diameter of 6,792 km
- B) Exploring Mars is the most exciting space mission
Answer: A) Mars has a diameter of 6,792 km
Explanation: The first statement is a fact with a verifiable source (NASA), while the second is an opinion using “most exciting.” Test tip: Look for source references!
Example 3
Directions: Use the passage below to answer the question that follows.
Records show 200 people attended the event. I believe it was the best turnout ever.
Question: Which is an opinion?
- A) 200 people attended the event
- B) It was the best turnout ever
Answer: B) It was the best turnout ever
Explanation: The first statement is a fact with record evidence, while the second is an opinion using “I believe” and “best.” Test tip: Note personal phrases!
Reading and Analyzing Facts & Opinions
On the exam, you’ll analyze passages to identify facts and opinions, often in mixed contexts. Start by reading each sentence, asking, “Is this provable?” or “Does this reflect a belief?” Underline evidence-based phrases (e.g., “according to”) for facts and subjective cues (e.g., “I feel”) for opinions. Cross-check with the passage’s purpose—persuasive texts may blend both, while informative ones lean on facts. This mirrors classroom support, helping students critique texts critically.
Easy Steps to Master Facts & Opinions
Here’s how to master distinguishing facts and opinions:
- Read each sentence carefully to grasp its intent.
- Look for evidence (e.g., numbers, sources) for facts.
- Identify subjective language (e.g., “should,” “best”) for opinions.
- Explain your reasoning, e.g., “This is a fact because it’s verifiable.”
- Consider the passage’s goal (persuasive or informative) to confirm.
Test tip: Use keyword spotting and double-check context!
Quiz for Topic
Ready to test your skills? Try our facts and opinions quiz below to practice more!