Which sentence states a fact?
The Vikings came from what are now the countries of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The Vikings carried out their raids in a swift, vicious fashion.
A fact is something that can be proved to be true. Facts can be proved by observing, measuring, or studying information.
The flag of the United States has 13 stripes.
This is a fact. It can be proved by looking at the flag and counting the number of stripes.
An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion cannot be proved true.
The flag of the United States is easy to draw.
This is an opinion. People may have different opinions about what makes a flag "easy" to draw.
The second sentence states a fact.
The Vikings came from what are now the countries of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
It can be proved by reading a history book about Vikings.
The first sentence states an opinion.
The Vikings carried out their raids in a swift, vicious fashion.
Vicious shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about what makes a raid vicious.