Which sentence states a fact?
African American explorer Matthew Henson was the bravest explorer of the 1909 North Pole expedition. In 1909, African American explorer Matthew Henson became one of the first people to reach the North Pole.
Statements of fact make claims that are based on research, observation, or experimentation. Facts can be proved with evidence.
Napoleon Bonaparte was shorter than King Louis XVI.
This statement is a fact. The statement can be verified by researching and comparing the height of each man.
Statements of opinion make claims that are based on personal judgments or perspectives. Opinions can be supported by evidence, but they cannot be definitively proved.
Napoleon Bonaparte was a better leader than King Louis XVI.
This statement is an opinion. People can have different ideas about what makes someone a "better" leader, so the statement cannot be proved.
The second sentence states a fact. It can be verified by researching the life of Matthew Henson.
In 1909, African American explorer Matthew Henson became one of the first people to reach the North Pole.
The first sentence states an opinion. Bravest indicates a personal judgment.
African American explorer Matthew Henson was the bravest explorer of the 1909 North Pole expedition.