Which sentence states a fact?
Benjamin Franklin was smarter than most American presidents. Benjamin Franklin was never president of the United States.
A fact is something that can be proved true by research or observation.
George Washington became president of the United States in 1789.
This statement is a fact. It can be proved by researching what year George Washington was inaugurated president.
An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion can be supported by evidence, but it cannot be proved true.
George Washington was a better president than Thomas Jefferson.
This statement is an opinion. People can have different ideas about what makes someone a "better" president, so the statement cannot be proved.
The first sentence states a fact.
Benjamin Franklin was never president of the United States.
It can be proved by looking at a list of U.S. presidents.
The second sentence states an opinion.
Benjamin Franklin was smarter than most American presidents.
Smarter shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about what makes one person smarter than another.