Distinguishing Facts from Opinions in a Passage

Lesson Plan: Reading and Comprehension (Identifying Facts and Opinions)

Subject: English Grammar

Class: JSS 2

Term: First Term

Week: 6

Age: 12-14 years

Topic: Reading to Identify Facts and Opinions in a Given Passage

Sub-topic: Distinguishing Between Facts and Opinions

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Read and understand the given passage.
2. Distinguish between facts and opinions in the passage.
3. Develop points from the facts and opinions.
4. Summarise the given facts and opinions in simple sentences.

Keywords:

• Fact
• Opinion
• Passage
• Distinguish
• Summarise

Set Induction:

The teacher begins by asking students to define the terms “fact” and “opinion” based on their prior knowledge. This will introduce the concept and prepare them for the day’s lesson.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should have basic knowledge of reading and identifying the main ideas in a passage.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• A passage for comprehension (printed or on the board).
• Posters or cards showing examples of facts and opinions.
• Highlighters or markers to differentiate facts and opinions in the text.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Ask students if they have ever heard someone say something they knew was true and something that was just their belief. Discuss the difference between what is a fact (can be proven) and what is an opinion (personal belief).

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Reading comprehension
• Analytical skills
• Communication

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• English Grammar Textbook for JSS 2

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• New Oxford Secondary English Course for JSS 2

Instructional Materials:

• Whiteboard/blackboard
• Handouts with passages

Content: Identifying Facts and Opinions

1. Definition of Facts:
   A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false.

• Example: The sun rises in the east.

2. Definition of Opinions:
   An opinion is a belief or judgment that cannot be proven.

• Example: Chocolate ice cream is the best.

3. How to Identify Facts in a Passage:

• Check if the statement can be verified or proven.
• Look for dates, statistics, or scientific evidence.

4. How to Identify Opinions in a Passage:

• Opinions often include words like “I think,” “I believe,” or “in my opinion.”
• Opinions can vary from person to person.

Examples from a Passage:

Fact Example:

• Nigeria became independent in 1960.

Opinion Example:

• Nigeria is the best country in Africa.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options (a, b, c, d):

1. A fact is something that ______.
   a) cannot be proven
   b) can be proven
   c) is always false
   d) is an opinion
2. An opinion often contains the words ______.
   a) “in my opinion”
   b) “is a fact”
   c) “can be verified”
   d) “scientifically proven”
3. The statement, “Dogs are the best pets,” is a(n) ______.
   a) fact
   b) opinion
   c) guess
   d) lie
4. The statement, “Water boils at 100°C,” is a ______.
   a) fact
   b) opinion
   c) story
   d) belief
5. Opinions can ______.
   a) be proven
   b) change from person to person
   c) be the same for everyone
   d) only be true
6. Facts are ______.
   a) personal beliefs
   b) always false
   c) verifiable statements
   d) never true
7. The statement, “Abuja is the capital of Nigeria,” is a ______.
   a) fact
   b) opinion
   c) guess
   d) myth
8. The statement, “Blue is the most beautiful color,” is a ______.
   a) fact
   b) opinion
   c) guess
   d) fact-based
9. A fact can be supported by ______.
   a) personal beliefs
   b) opinions
   c) evidence
   d) feelings
10. The phrase “I believe” signals a(n) ______.
    a) fact
    b) opinion
    c) statement
    d) argument
11. The statement, “Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world,” is a ______.
    a) fact
    b) opinion
    c) belief
    d) myth
12. An opinion is always ______.
    a) true
    b) false
    c) subjective
    d) factual
13. The statement, “Sugar tastes sweet,” is a ______.
    a) fact
    b) opinion
    c) myth
    d) guess
14. The phrase “In my opinion” introduces a ______.
    a) fact
    b) belief
    c) verified statement
    d) fact-based opinion
15. The sentence, “Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria,” is a ______.
    a) fact
    b) opinion
    c) guess
    d) story

15 FAQs with Answers:

1. What is a fact?
   A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false.
2. What is an opinion?
   An opinion is a personal belief or judgment that cannot be proven.
3. Can facts be proven?
   Yes, facts can be proven.
4. Can opinions be proven?
   No, opinions cannot be proven.
5. What words often indicate an opinion?
   Words like “I believe,” “in my opinion,” or “I think” often indicate an opinion.
6. Can opinions be wrong?
   Opinions are personal, so they cannot be wrong, but they may not be widely accepted.
7. What makes something a fact?
   Something is a fact if it can be supported by evidence or proof.
8. Is the statement “The earth is round” a fact or opinion?
   It is a fact.
9. Can facts change?
   Facts generally remain the same unless new evidence proves otherwise.
10. Why is it important to distinguish between fact and opinion?
    It is important because it helps us think critically and understand what is true.
11. What is an example of a fact?
    An example of a fact is “Water boils at 100°C.”
12. What is an example of an opinion?
    An example of an opinion is “Football is the best sport.”
13. Can the same statement be both a fact and an opinion?
    No, a statement is either a fact or an opinion.
14. What is the key difference between a fact and an opinion?
    The key difference is that facts can be proven, while opinions cannot.
15. What should you do when you hear an opinion?
    You should think critically and decide if you agree with it.

Presentation Steps:

Step 1:
The teacher revises the previous topic on reading comprehension, discussing how to identify the main ideas in a passage.

Step 2:
The teacher introduces the new topic, explaining the difference between facts and opinions, and gives examples.

Step 3:
The teacher allows students to read a short passage and highlight facts and opinions, providing corrections where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Introduce the topic and explain the difference between facts and opinions.
• Provide students with a passage to read.
• Guide students in identifying facts and opinions in the passage.

Learners’ Activities:

• Read the given passage.
• Highlight the facts and opinions in the passage.
• Share their findings with the class.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answer):

1. Define a fact.
2. What is an opinion?
3. Can a fact be proven?
4. What words can signal an opinion?
5. Give an example of a fact.
6. Give an example of an opinion.
7. Why are facts important?
8. Why are opinions important?
9. How can you tell if a statement is a fact?
10. How can you tell if a statement is an opinion?

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark students’ work and provides feedback on identifying facts and opinions in the passage.