35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching

Resources

by Linda Ward Beech

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 35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Scholastic Inc. grants teachers permission to photocopy the designated reproducible pages from this book
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Cover design by Maria Lilja

Interior design by Sydney Wright
Interior illustrations by Mike Gordon

ISBN-13 978-0-439-55413-8
ISBN-10 0-439-55413-6

Copyright © 2006 by Linda Ward Beech. All rights reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 40 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06
 Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Using This Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Mini-Lessons:
Teaching About Fact and Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Teaching About Point of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Learning Pages:
What Is a Fact? What Is an Opinion? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
What Is a Point of View? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Fact and Opinion: Exercises 1–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Point of View: Exercises 19–35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Assessments:
Fact and Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Point of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Student Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
 Introduction
Reading comprehension involves numerous thinking skills. The ability to
differentiate between fact and opinion is one such skill. A reader who can
identify these two types of statements is better able to analyze and assess a text.
While distinguishing fact from opinion is one step in reading, it is important
that students go further. They should also be able to sort facts and opinions to Teacher
help determine the writer’s point of view. Exercises 1–18 provide practice in Tip
learning to distinguish between statements of fact and opinion. Exercises 19–35
For students who
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

focus on determining point of view. Use pages 8 and 9 after you introduce the
need extra help,
skills to give students help in understanding them.
you might suggest
that they keep
pages 8 and 9
Using This Book with them to refer
to when they
Pages 8–9 complete the
exercises.
After introducing fact and opinion and point of view to students (see pages 6
and 7), duplicate and pass out pages 8 and 9. Use page 8 to help students
review what they have learned about identifying fact and opinion. By explaining
their thinking, students are using metacognition to analyze how they recognized
and utilized these clues. Page 9 helps students review what they have learned
about point of view.

Pages 10–27
These pages offer practice in distinguishing fact from opinion. Students
should read the paragraph, then identify the selected sentences in item 1 as fact
or opinion. Items 2 and 3 call for students to write another fact or opinion from
the paragraph. Tell students that the sentences they write should not be any of
those used in item 1.

Pages 28–44 Teacher

These pages provide exercises in determining point of view. Students should Tip
read the paragraph, then describe the writer’s opinion about the topic. Item 2
requires students to identify a key word in the paragraph. Item 3 calls for stu- Students can
learn a lot if you
dents to recognize the writer’s point of view, and item 4 asks students to identify
review the finished
another possible viewpoint.
exercises with them
on a regular basis.
Pages 45–46 Encourage students
After they have completed the practice pages, use these pages to assess to explain their
students’ progress. thinking for each
correct answer. Ask
Page 47 them to share the
clues that helped
You may wish to keep a record of students’ progress as they complete the
them decide if a
practice pages. Sample comments that will help you guide students to improving
sentence was fact or
skills might include: opinion or what the
• reads carelessly point of view was.
• misunderstands text
• fails to recognize clues
• doesn’t apply prior knowledge

5
 Mini-Lesson

Teaching About Fact and

Opinion
1. Introduce the concept: Write these statements on the chalkboard.

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Our school is in session Monday through Friday.
I think there should be classes on Saturday.
Ask students which statement can be proved. Which statement is what
someone believes?

2. Model thinking: After students have correctly recognized that the first
statement can be proved and the second statement is what you believe,
continue the lesson by thinking aloud.

The second statement tells

I know that our school what I think. Most schools
is open Monday through are not open for classes on
Friday because I teach Saturday, but I still think it’s a
here. That is something good idea. The words I think
I can prove. The first and should are clues that this
statement is a fact. statement is an opinion.

3. Define the skill: Tell students that a fact can be proved to be true.
Sometimes you can see the proof easily; sometimes you can check a fact
in a reference book. Facts answer these questions: Who? What? Where? When?
Why? How?
Remind students that references such as encyclopedias, almanacs,
textbooks, biographies, and other nonfiction books all contain facts. So do
newspapers, magazines, and Internet sites. (You may wish to caution students
that not all information on the Internet is reliable.)
Explain that an opinion may or may not be true. An opinion is what
someone believes; it is a kind of judgment. There may be many opinions about
a subject. Opinions can be based on facts or on feelings. Some opinions contain
clue words such as I believe, I feel, I think, in my judgment, most, best, should, must,
better than, worst.
Caution students that not all opinions have clue words. An opinion can
be stated like this:
Saturday classes are a great idea.
Explain that opinions are found in advertisements, feature stories,
editorials, and many other types of writing.

6
 Mini-Lesson

Teaching About Point of View

1. Introduce the concept: Read these three descriptions to students.
Mel’s dog Rags is digging a hole in the neighbor’s garden.
Stop that, Rags!
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Rags is sleeping on Mom’s new couch. You’re not allowed

there, Rags!
Rags is playing fetch with Mel. Good boy!
Ask students to tell how the neighbor, Mom, and Mel might think about Rags.

2. Model thinking: After students have correctly described different points of

view about Rags, help them review the process they used by thinking aloud.

The neighbor is angry at Rags.

I would certainly feel that way
if a dog dug up my garden.

Mom may like Rags, but she’s

worried about her couch. The
word new gives me a clue about
Mel likes to play her feelings. Some dogs get hair
fetch with his dog. all over furniture.

3. Define the skill: Explain that people express different points of view in
their writing. Often, these points of view are based on facts and opinions. In
many cases, feelings are involved, too. It is important to try to identify a writer’s
point of view and then compare it with what you yourself think. Mention that
the point of view of an expert, based on knowledge and experience, is usually
valuable and worth reading. A viewpoint based on firsthand experience or from
an eyewitness often offers new insights into a situation. Considering other
points of view doesn’t mean you have to agree, but it can help broaden a
reader’s understanding of a subject. Good readers consult several sources on
subjects of interest to them.

7
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

Learning Page

What Is a Fact? What Is an Opinion?

When you read a nonfiction passage, you are usually reading facts. However, the
passage may also contain opinions. How does a reader sort facts from opinions?

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
A reader might think:
Which statements reflect what
Which statements the writer thinks or believes?
can be proved?

When you answer the first question, you identify the facts. These are statements
that can be proved or observed. When you answer the second question, you
determine opinions. An opinion is a judgment that reflects a person’s beliefs or
feelings. It is not necessarily true.

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

One of the most wonderful dogs is the Saint Bernard. This large, strong animal has
a thick coat and a good sense of direction. In the Alps of Switzerland, Saint Bernards
have been used as guides to help travelers through mountain passes. As the dogs
pass through thick snow, their deep chests form tracks that people can follow. Saint
Bernards are sometimes used to help rescue skiers who get lost on snowy slopes.

What facts are given in this paragraph?

1 Who or what is the paragraph about? ________________________________________

2 What traits do these animals have? __________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

3 How are these animals helpful to people? _____________________________________

What opinion is given?

4 What judgment does the writer make about the subject? ________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

5 How could you prove that the facts are true? __________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

8
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

Learning Page
What Is a Point of View?
When you read a selection, you find both facts and opinions. Many accounts also reflect
the writer’s point of view or how the writer feels about the subject. A good reader tries
to determine what the writer’s point of view is. A reader might think:
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

What opinions Do I agree

are expressed? with this point
What kinds of words are of view?
used to describe people, places, and
events? Are these words positive? What might
Negative? How do they express another point
the writer’s feelings? of view be?

When you answer the first question, you recognize that an opinion is being given.
The second question helps you look more closely at the point of view of the writer.
When you answer the last two questions, you are thinking about how the writer’s
point of view affects the information given.

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Do you like amusing sights? If so, you should have seen the tree growing from a chimney
at Tyler House. This building is a dorm on a college campus in Massachusetts. The tree,
a type of aspen, apparently seeded itself with the help of the wind. Aspens grow best in
sunny spots, and the chimney offered plenty of sunshine. Unfortunately, the tree’s roots
were growing into the bricks and mortar, so the enterprising tree had to be removed.

1 What does the writer think is an “amusing sight”? ______________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word tells how the writer feels about the tree?
A sunny B enterprising C unsafe

3 Why do you agree or disagree with the writer’s point of view? _____________________
____________________________________________________________________________

4 What point of view might someone from the local fire department have?
____________________________________________________________________________

9
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

1
Fact and Opinion

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

In Britain, judges and lawyers have traditionally worn

wigs and gowns in court. Depending on their role,
some also wear lace neck trimmings, sashes, hoods, fur
mantles, and buckled shoes. From time to time, this
judicial finery has been mocked. After all, it is ridiculous.
The curly wigs are made in four shades of off-white,
ranging from light gray to beige. The more important the official, the fancier
the wig. A senior judge wears a headpiece of curls that reaches to the shoulders.
What a silly, fusty, dusty custom!

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

In Britain, judges and lawyers have traditionally worn wigs and gowns in court.
_________________________
From time to time, this judicial finery has been mocked. ________________________
What a silly, fusty, dusty custom! _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

10
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

2
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

Isaac Asimov was the finest American author.

He was born in Russia in 1920 but came to the
United States with his family when he was three.
Asimov became a professor of biochemistry and
a writer. Most of his books were about science
fiction. Fantastic Voyage was definitely his best
book. Many of Asimov’s stories featured robots
and, with another writer, he created the Three
Laws of Robotics. These govern how robots
behave in science fiction.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

Isaac Asimov was the finest American author. _________________________
Asimov became a professor of biochemistry and a writer. _______________________
Most of his books were about science fiction. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

11
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

3
Fact and Opinion

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

Most surfers find their waves in the ocean, but in Brazil,

surfers find them in the Amazon River. Each March and
April, when the river waters are highest, strong tides from
the Atlantic Ocean push into the Amazon basin.
These tides create a giant swell that travels
upstream for hundreds of miles at speeds of 20
miles an hour. Brazilians call this endless wave
a pororoca. Surfing for miles up the river is much
more fun than a short ocean ride. All surfers
should try this unique challenge.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

Brazilians call this endless wave a pororoca. _________________________
All surfers should try this unique challenge. _________________________
These tides create a giant swell that travels upstream for hundreds of miles at
speeds of 20 miles an hour. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

12
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

4
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

How lucky we are when snow begins to fall! Something

beautiful is coming our way because the geometry of a
snowflake is spectacular. Snowflakes form when water
vapor condenses into crystals. Although snowflakes are
never identical, they all have a six-pointed symmetry in
common. However, weather conditions affect the final shape
of a snowflake. These conditions include the temperature and
the amount of water vapor in the air. Each snowflake is a work of art.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

How lucky we are when snow begins to fall! _________________________
Something beautiful is coming our way because the geometry of a snowflake
is spectacular. _________________________
Although snowflakes are never identical, they all have a six-pointed
symmetry in common. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

13
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

5
Fact and Opinion

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

A feature of many modern houses is the

Palladian window. This window, with its
three panels and curved top, takes its name
from the architect Andrea Palladio. He lived
in the sixteenth century in Italy. That was an
excellent time for talented people. Palladio
studied the architecture of the ancient
Romans. No one could build like the Romans.
During his lifetime, Palladio designed villas, churches, and other public
buildings. Visitors to Italy can still see many of these buildings today.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

A feature of many modern houses is the Palladian window. ______________________
No one could build like the Romans. _________________________
Visitors to Italy can still see many of these buildings today. ______________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

14
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

6
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

The first emperor of China must have been strange.

He spent much of his life planning for his tomb.
It took 700,000 workers 36 years to get it ready. In
the tomb were 6,000 life-size soldiers made from
terra-cotta, a kind of pottery. Each soldier had an
individual face, just like the soldiers in the emperor’s
real army. I think this is bizarre. Also in the tomb
were carriages and horses made from bronze. The
tomb was a big secret for thousands of years. Then,
some farmers found it while digging a well in 1974.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

The first emperor of China must have been strange. _________________________
It took 700,000 workers 36 years to get it ready. _________________________
Then, some farmers found it while digging a well in 1974. _______________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

15
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

7
Fact and Opinion

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

Millions of people in Japan write poetry. That ✺◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆✺

is such a great thing! Everyone should write Loving the idea
poems. Everyone should be passionate about
Of poetry for people,
poetry. Japan has regular radio and television
programs about poetry. It also has more than I created poems.
2,000 poetry magazines and newsletters. ✺◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆✺
The country’s national newspapers carry poetry
columns on a daily basis. Books of poetry are best-sellers. I wish they were
in other nations. Many Japanese companies hold poetry contests. One company
prints the winners on its packages.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

That is such a great thing! _________________________
Everyone should write poems. _________________________
Books of poetry are best-sellers. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

16
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

8
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

People have been living with domesticated animals for

thousands of years. For example, dogs and people go
back about 14,000 years. Believe me, dogs are “man’s
best friend.” Cats have been around for a long time, too.
The ancient Egyptians thought of cats as gods. People
should remember that because most cats today think
of themselves as gods! Both children and adults should
have pets. Birds, rabbits, and some types of fish are
popular pets. I don’t think they’re as satisfying as dogs
and cats, though.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

Both children and adults should have pets. _________________________
The ancient Egyptians thought of cats as gods. _________________________
Believe me, dogs are “man’s best friend.” _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

17
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

9
Fact and Opinion

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

Have you ever noticed that the print in comic strips

is in capital letters? I find this really annoying. One SMALL LETTERS
reason given is that comic strips are reduced when VARY IN HEIGHT.
printed in newspapers. When print is reduced, small
letters tend to blob up more than big ones. Another
reason is that by using letters that are the same height, an artist can fit them in
the space more easily. I think that artists probably find using lowercase letters too
much of a challenge. Maybe they don’t know which words to capitalize!

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

Have you ever noticed that the print in comic strips is in capital letters?
_________________________
When print is reduced, small letters tend to blob up more than big ones.
_________________________
Maybe they don’t know which words to capitalize! _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

18
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

10
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

In Korea, people mark a child’s first birthday with a

celebration called tol. On this occasion, it is believed
that babies pick their future. The child sits at a table
covered with different objects. If the child picks a
string, it means a long life. Everyone should pick
that. If a baby picks money or rice, it indicates
a business career. A musical instrument means
the child will become an artist. That’s a good
choice. A special rice-cake soup is served at tol
celebrations. I think cake and ice cream are better.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

The child sits at a table covered with different objects. _________________________
Everyone should pick that. _________________________
A special rice-cake soup is served at tol celebrations. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

19
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

11
Fact and Opinion

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

You should visit Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New

Hampshire. This is a settlement that is now an outdoor
history museum. Parts of Strawbery Banke were built in
the 1600s; others are more recent. Visitors can see how
people lived during three centuries in American history.
It’s really interesting. The guides dress as people did
during each period. They act as if they were living during
that time. They make barrels, pottery, baked goods, and
other things.You’ll enjoy this place.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

You should visit Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
_________________________
Parts of Strawbery Banke were built in the 1600s; others are more recent.
_________________________
It’s really interesting. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

20
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

12
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

A huge mountain system stretches across 1,500

miles of Asia. This mountain range is called the
Himalayas. The mountains were formed about
60 million years ago. The world’s 10 tallest
mountains are all in the Himalayas. That’s
amazing! Mount Everest, which lies between
Tibet and Nepal, is the world’s highest
mountain. It reaches up for 29,028 feet, too high for even birds to fly. The first
climbers to reach the top did so in 1953. They must have been brave. Their names
were Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

This mountain range is called the Himalayas. _________________________
That’s amazing! ________________________
The first climbers to reach the top did so in 1953. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

21
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

13
Fact and Opinion

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

Kids who like to get muddy should visit Westland,

Michigan. This city hosts an annual celebration called
Mud Day in Hines Park. It must be a sloppy mess. The
parks department mixes more than 200 tons of soil and
20,000 gallons of water to make mud. That’s a lot of
mud! There are events such as a Mud Limbo contest,
wheelbarrow races, and just plain splashing around.
Two participants are crowned Mr. and Miss Mud.
When the fun is over, firefighters hose down the
dirty kids.

Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

1 Kids who like to get muddy should visit Westland, Michigan. _____________________
It must be a sloppy mess. _________________________
Two participants are crowned Mr. and Miss Mud. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

22
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

14
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

Eartha is the world’s largest moving globe.

If you see it, you’ll feel a sense of wonder.
Eartha is more than 41 feet in diameter and
weighs about 5,600 pounds. It rotates just
like planet Earth. It was developed from
computer technology and is made from
one of the largest mapping databases in
the world. To visit Eartha, you have to go
to Yarmouth, Maine. The globe is housed
in a three-story glass building there. It’s
very impressive.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

If you see it, you’ll feel a sense of wonder. _________________________
It rotates just like planet Earth. _________________________
To visit Eartha, you have to go to Yarmouth, Maine. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

23
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

15
Fact and Opinion

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

Many living things have internal clocks. These

are daily patterns known as circadian rhythms.
One of the most common is the pattern of sleep
that humans follow. Certain flowers have patterns,
too. These flowers open and close their petals on
specific schedules. For example, dandelions open
at nine in the morning. People should get rid of
dandelions because they’re weeds. A morning glory
opens at 10 A.M., and a water lily at 11. My favorite
flower is the California poppy. Its petals open at 1 P.M.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

Many living things have internal clocks. _________________________
My favorite flower is the California poppy. _________________________
For example, dandelions open at nine in the morning. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

24
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

16
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph.Follow the directions.

A good way to spend free time is by playing

games. During the Civil War (1861–1865),
both Union and Confederate soldiers had
time between battles. So the troops amused
themselves in different ways. The Union
soldiers played a popular board game called
“The Checkered Game of Life.” It was such a
terrific game! Whoever invented it must have been very clever. A version of this game
is still around today. It is now called “The Game of Life.” Have you ever played it?

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

The Union soldiers played a popular board game called “The Checkered Game of
Life.” _________________________
A good way to spend free time is by playing games. _________________________
It was such a terrific game! _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

25
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

17
Fact and Opinion

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

A large granite head rises out of Thunderhead Mountain

in South Dakota. The head is magnificent. It is part of
a sculpture called the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is
being carved from the mountain. Crazy Horse was
a Sioux warrior who defeated Lieutenant Colonel
George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of Little
Bighorn in 1877. The memorial was begun in 1948 by
Korzak Ziolkowski. It’s taken much too long to complete.
When finished, however, it will be 563 feet tall and 641 feet long.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

A large granite head rises out of Thunderhead Mountain in South Dakota.
_________________________
The memorial was begun in 1948 by Korzak Ziolkowski. ________________________
It’s taken much too long to complete. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

26
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

18
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

You should thank the Navajos. During World War II,

350 of them worked as code talkers. They sent messages
in the Navajo language for the American military. Both
sides used codes during the war, but most codes can
eventually be broken.You have to be brilliant to break a
code. However, little of the Navajo language had ever been written down, it was
hard to learn, and it was very different from other languages. So although many
radio messages were intercepted, the enemy couldn’t break the Navajo code.

1 Write fact or opinion next to each sentence.

You should thank the Navajos. _________________________
They sent messages in the Navajo language for the American military.
_________________________
Both sides used codes during the war, but most codes can eventually
be broken. _________________________

2 Write another fact from the paragraph. ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3 Write another opinion from the paragraph. ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

27
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

19
Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Gerardus Mercator, born in 1512, is

known for a kind of map. His map—called
a Mercator Projection—has caused unfair
distortions of the world. For example, the
Northern Hemisphere on a Mercator map
dominates the world. Greenland appears as big as
Africa.Yet Greenland is much smaller than the African continent. North America
appears much larger than South America. No doubt, the overblown proportions of
places on the map have made people there think of themselves as more important, too.

1 What is the writer’s opinion of the distortions on Mercator’s map?

____________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the map’s
proportions?
A smaller B larger C overblown

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Admires the mapmaker Gerardus Mercator
B Blames Mercator for distorted worldviews
C Supports the domination of the Northern Hemisphere

4 What point of view might someone living in Greenland have? _____________________

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

28
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

20
Point of View
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

France has long been known as a country where

people are devoted to their dogs. At some Paris
hotels, this is no exception. They offer many services
just for the canine set. For example, there are trained
dog groomers, charming dog toiletries, and even
custom-made beds for pampered pets. These wonderful
hotels also provide round-the-clock room service for
dogs, with a choice of healthy meals. Of course, dogs are welcome in the
hotel restaurants, too. They can’t get in without their owners, though!

1 What is the writer’s opinion of the treatment of dogs in France?

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the hotel services?
A wonderful B healthy C exception

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Approving of the dog treatment
B Upset with the hotels
C Outraged about so much attention being given to dogs

4 What point of view might someone who can’t make ends meet have? _____________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

29
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

21
Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas was the heroine of

the Everglades, a unique environment in Florida.
Many animals make their home in this wetland
region. Nevertheless, for years the Everglades were being
drained off for buildings and roads. The water was polluted.
So Douglas wrote a book, The Everglades: River of Grass. In it
she explained why the Everglades were important and should be
protected. In 1969, Douglas started an organization called Friends
of the Everglades. The Friends kept an airport from being built there!

1 What is the writer’s opinion of Marjory Stoneman Douglas? ______________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the Everglades?
A polluted B home C unique

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Annoyed by the work of Douglas
B Uninterested in the fate of the Everglades
C Impressed by the efforts of Douglas

4 What point of view might a builder have about Marjory Stoneman Douglas?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

30
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

22
Point of View
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Scientists say that nature is really amazing. Recently,

some scientists were studying a strange sponge
found deep in the Pacific Ocean. They insisted that
filaments on the sponge were much like optical fibers
used in telecommunication systems. Their somewhat
dubious plan was to study the sponge with the hope
of duplicating its features for future uses. What those
uses are, the scientists haven’t said. Stay tuned!

1 What is the writer’s opinion of nature? _________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the scientists’
plan of study?
A dubious B amazing C hope

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Awed by scientists and nature
B Skeptical about the sponge study
C Excited about the sponge project

4 What point of view might a scientist in the study have? __________________________

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

31
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

23
Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Poor spellers shouldn’t try to sell things through online ads.

Suppose you want to sell a camera on eBay, but your ad
says “Camra for Sale.” Buyers looking for cameras aren’t
CAM RA
likely to find your ad. However, some clever buyers are on FO R
the lookout for misspelled ads written by careless sellers. SAL E
When they find one, they offer a low bid. Since no one else
is bidding for the item, the seller often lets the item go for a
low price. Often, the smart buyers then turn around and sell
the item for more—through an ad that’s spelled correctly!

1 What is the writer’s opinion of buyers who look for misspellings? _________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about sellers who misspell?
A clever B careless C smart

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Sympathetic to spelling problems
B Disappointed by poor spelling
C Impatient with poor spellers

4 What point of view might a poor speller have? _________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

32
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

24
Point of View
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Fans love racehorses that win. Curiously, a horse in Japan became

a favorite for losing. The horse, named Haruurara, ran more than
100 races—and lost them all. Then a news story featured
this four-legged loser. Suddenly, Haruurara had lots of
devoted fans. The Japanese began to think of her as a
lucky charm. People thought if they lost with Haruurara,
they wouldn’t lose other things such as their jobs or
homes. So backing a racing loser became popular.
Some would say it was a no-win situation!

1 What is the writer’s opinion of Haruurara? _____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about Haruurara’s fame?
A devoted B curiously C popular

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Amused by the unusual story
B Angered by the horse’s losses
C Shocked by the idea of lucky charms

4 What point of view might the owner of the horse have? _________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

33
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

25
Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

I was awakened from a deep sleep the other morning

by the awful noise of a car alarm. It was the kind that
goes off in an unpleasant, repetitive way every few
minutes. Finally, someone came and drove the offending
vehicle away. The next morning, I awoke to the same
annoying sound. When I looked out the window, there
was no car. All I saw was a mockingbird on my fence.
And sure enough, that remarkable bird was imitating a
car alarm. I have to admit it was quite a performance.

1 What is the writer’s opinion of car alarms? _____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the mockingbird?
A offending B repetitive C remarkable

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Joyful enthusiasm
B Reluctant admiration
C Bored

4 What point of view might the neighborhood cat have? __________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

34
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

26
Point of View
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Watch out for wet dogs. They shake water all over and often smell funny.
Many people attribute this smell to a dog’s fur. However, a strong odor from
a wet dog is more likely to be caused by a
skin problem, not wet fur. Some dogs such as
cocker spaniels and terriers get rashes and
skin irritations that result in body odor. Water
can make the odor more noticeable. According
to dog experts, the best way to prevent smelly
dogs is by grooming them regularly.

1 What is the writer’s opinion of wet dogs? ______________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the odor of
wet dogs?
A funny B grooming C attribute

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Worried about wet dogs
B Interested in helping dog owners
C Delighted by dog smells

4 What point of view might a cat lover have? ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

35
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

27
Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Do you like fruitcake? Strangely enough,

some people do like it! They actually think this
heavy, sticky cake is good enough to eat. Most
people agree that fruitcake is an English holiday
tradition. Most people also think that it’s better
to give a fruitcake than to receive one. In fact,
many people who receive fruitcakes as gifts
quickly give them away to someone else.
One famous writer even went so far as to say that “nobody in the
history of the United States has ever bought a fruitcake for himself.”

1 What is the writer’s opinion of people who like fruitcake? _______________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about fruitcake?
A good B strangely C tradition

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Admiring of fruitcake
B Worried about fruitcake eaters
C Mocking of fruitcake

4 What point of view might a fruitcake baker have? ______________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

36
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

28
Point of View
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Do dolphins and people have a special

relationship? Over the centuries, many
civilizations have told stories of bonds
between people and these incredible
creatures. In an ancient Greek story, the
god Dionysus changes some pirates into
dolphins. An Australian myth tells about a
hero named Gowonda who turned into a helpful dolphin. In a tale from Peru,
a pink dolphin sometimes becomes a human. Even today, people report stories
of dolphins helping swimmers or guiding ships through dangerous seas.

1 What is the writer’s opinion of dolphins? _______________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about dolphins?
A incredible B pink C dangerous

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Unimpressed by dolphins and their relationship with people
B Admiration of dolphins and their relationship with people
C Angry about dolphins and their relationship with people

4 What point of view might a sailor have about dolphins? _________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

37
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

29
Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Tigers are the biggest members of the cat family.

These magnificent cats are solitary animals and
need a large territory in which to hunt. They mark
their territory with urine so that other tigers are
warned away. Tigers track their prey in silence and
then pounce for the kill. A tiger can eat 40 pounds
of meat in one meal. Unfortunately, tiger habitats have been destroyed in many
parts of Asia, their homeland. Scientists think there may be only 3,000 to 6,000
tigers left in the wild. These mighty animals are close to extinction.

1 What is the writer’s opinion of the appearance of tigers? ________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the strength
of tigers?
A prey B solitary C mighty

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Regretful about the loss of tigers
B Joyful about the habitat of tigers
C Curious about the fate of tigers

4 What point of view might a person living near the tigers’ habitat have about tigers?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

38
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

30
Point of View
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Almost all bridges have them. I’m speaking of signs that

say “Caution: Bridge Freezes Before Road.” Many people CAUTION:
wonder why it is that bridges freeze first. The answer is BRIDGE
simple. A bridge is exposed to air both from above and below. FREEZES
When the temperature drops, heat accumulated in the bridge
BEFORE ROAD
is released. A road, on the other hand, is only exposed to
the environment from above. Heat retained in the ground
actually provides insulation for roads so they take longer to
freeze. So the important bridge signs help keep drivers safe.

1 What is the writer’s opinion of the signs on bridges? ____________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the signs?
A important B simple C exposed

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Appreciative of the signs
B Mystified by the signs
C Leery of the signs

4 What point of view might a car driver have about the bridge signs? _______________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

39
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

31
Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Niagara Falls is known for people who like to, well,

go over the edge. The first mindless daredevil was
Annie Edson Taylor in 1901. Bobby Leach went over
in 1911, breaking not only his jaw but both kneecaps
as well. Some of the next attempts didn’t fare well at
all. While Roger Woodward survived his trip over the
falls in 1960, he never meant to go in the first place.
He had a boating accident. Two people in one barrel
made it over safely in 1989. Two more in a plastic
capsule succeeded in 1995. So, who’s next?

1 What is the writer’s opinion of people who go over Niagara Falls? _________________
____________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about Annie Edson Taylor?
A mindless B survived C safely

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Disapproving of these actions
B Sorry about these actions
C Startled by these actions

4 What point of view might an extreme sports enthusiast have about going over the falls?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

40
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

32
Point of View
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Diwali is a happy and delightful holiday

that is celebrated by Hindus around the
world. Diwali is sometimes called the
Festival of Lights. Lamps brighten streets,
line building rooftops, and shine from
windows. Hindus believe that Lakshmi,
the goddess of wealth, uses the lamps to guide her way as she comes to bless
homes. Diwali also symbolizes the victory of good over evil. For Hindus, this
holiday is the beginning of the New Year. People wear new clothes and eat special
foods on this very festive day.

1 What is the writer’s opinion of Diwali? _________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about Diwali?
A evil B festive C shine

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Fearful about this holiday
B Enthusiastic about this holiday
C Indifferent to this holiday

4 What point of view might an electrician have about this holiday? _________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

41
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

33
Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Streets were a mess in 1923. Not only that, they were

downright dangerous. Cars drove through intersections
without stopping. So did horse-drawn carriages and
bicyclists. Lots of accidents happened, and many
people were injured. Then Garrett Morgan invented
the electric traffic signal. What a difference! Now
drivers knew when to proceed or stop. Morgan’s
ingenious invention, one of many he made in his
lifetime, was the beginning of the traffic light system
we use today. This inventor should be thanked!

1 What is the writer’s opinion of the traffic light? _________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about this invention?
A dangerous B electric C ingenious

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Weary of Garrett Morgan
B Admiring of Garrett Morgan
C Uncertain about Garrett Morgan

4 What point of view might a car manufacturer have about this invention?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

42
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

34
Point of View
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

Samuel Goldwyn was a powerful figure in

Hollywood during the twentieth century. He
made many famous movies. One of these was
Wuthering Heights, based on the book by Emily
Brontë. However, Goldwyn often bungled his
English and usually referred to the movie as
“Withering Heights.” Other amusing things he
said were “Include me out” and “I’ll give you
a definite maybe.” Goldwyn also said, “I don’t think anyone should write his
autobiography until after he’s dead.” Well, he was in the entertainment business.

1 What is the writer’s opinion of Samuel Goldwyn? ________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about Goldwyn’s quotes?
A amusing B powerful C famous

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Annoyed by Goldwyn’s statements
B Uncomfortable with Goldwyn’s statements
C Entertained by Goldwyn’s statements

4 What point of view might a competitor of Goldwyn’s have about his statements?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

43
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

E XERCISE

35
Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

How did wealthy people spend leisure time

in the late 1800s? One fascinating pastime
was to exchange afternoon visits. At each
house, a visitor would leave an elegant
calling card. These printed cards included the
person’s name, much like a business card of today. The cards would be
placed on a tray and taken by a servant to the lady of the house. The hostess
would then decide to accept the visit, decline the visit, or postpone the visit.
After World War I, telephones and cars led to the end of this quaint social custom.

1 What is the writer’s opinion of the use of calling cards? _________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2 Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the use of
calling cards?
A wealthy B quaint C printed

3 Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view?

A Shocked by the custom
B Distressed by the custom
C Intrigued by the custom

4 What point of view might a hostess of the late nineteenth century have about
calling cards? ______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

44
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

Assessment
Fact and Opinion
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the paragraph. Follow the directions.

Vegetables and fruits of the future may differ from those you
eat today. Scientists in China have been sending seeds into
space. The seeds are exposed to different extraterrestrial
conditions such as cosmic radiation or zero gravity.
These trips to space alter the DNA of the seeds. The
seeds are then planted back on Earth. The results
are disturbing. Some examples are cucumbers the
length of baseball bats and monster eggplants. They
must taste terrible. These veggies aren’t for sale to the
public yet. They’re probably not safe!

1 Identify three statements of fact in the paragraph.

• _________________________________________________________________________

• _________________________________________________________________________

• _________________________________________________________________________

2 How would you express the writer’s opinion about space veggies? ________________
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

3 Identify two statements in the paragraph that support your answer to item 2.
• _________________________________________________________________________

• _________________________________________________________________________

45
Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

Assessment

Point of View

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Read the paragraph. Answer the questions.

You’re probably aware of extreme sports

such as dangling from bungee cords over cliffs.
But have you heard about extreme ironing?
The first Extreme Ironing World Championships
took place in Germany in 2002. Top contestants
included ironists with names such as Starch and
Steam. They pressed clothes while scaling a wall,
hanging from tree branches, and balancing on
ironing boards. No kidding! Since then ironists
have attacked wrinkled clothing all over the world.
They’ve ironed while riding bicycles, scuba diving,
and even climbing Mount Everest. Wow! Starch
manufacturers must be thrilled.

1 How would you express the writer’s point of view about extreme ironing?
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2 List three words or phrases that helped you determine the point of view.
• _________________________________________________________________________

• _________________________________________________________________________

• _________________________________________________________________________

46
 Name ______________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

Student Record
Date Exercise # Number Comments
Correct
35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources

47
 Answers
page 8: page 15: page 24: 4. Possible: Scientists 4. Possible: A driver might
1. Saint Bernard dogs 1. opinion, fact, fact 1. fact, opinion, fact might feel there are good wonder why bridges
2. Possible: They have 2. Possible: He spent 2. Possible: These are uses for the sponge. freeze first.
a good sense of much of his life daily patterns known
direction. planning for his tomb. as circadian rhythms. page 32: page 40:
3. Possible: They can 3. I think this is bizarre. 3. People should get rid 1. Possible: The writer 1. Possible: The writer
rescue lost skiers. of dandelions because thinks they are smart. thinks these people
4. Possible: The writer page 16: they’re weeds. 2. B are foolish.
thinks Saint Bernards 1. opinion, opinion, fact 3. C 2. A
are the most 2. Possible: Japan has page 25: 4. Possible: A poor speller 3. A
wonderful dogs. regular radio and 1. fact, opinion, opinion might be upset or 4. Possible: An extreme
5. Answers will vary. television programs 2. Possible: During the Civil annoyed by these facts. sports enthusiast might

35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Point of View & Facts and Opinion © Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources
about poetry. War (1861–1865), both approve of people’s
3. Everyone should Union and Confederate page 33: attempts.
page 9: 1. Possible: The writer is
1. The writer finds be passionate soldiers had time
about poetry. between battles. surprised that a losing page 41:
amusing a tree growing horse is so popular. 1. Possible: The writer
from a chimney. 3. Whoever invented it must
page 17: have been very clever. 2. B favors Diwali.
2. B 1. opinion, fact, opinion 3. A 2. B
3. Answers will vary. 2. Possible: Cats have page 26: 4. Possible: The owner 3. B
4. Possible: A tree near been around for a 1. fact, fact, opinion might be pleased 4. Answers will vary.
a chimney is a fire long time, too. 2. Possible: It is part of a because of the horse’s Possible: An electrician
hazard. 3. Possible: People should sculpture called the popularity. might like Diwali because
page 10 remember that because Crazy Horse Memorial, it calls for so many lights.
most cats today think which is being carved page 34:
1. fact, fact, opinion 1. Possible: The writer page 42:
2. Possible: A senior of themselves as gods. from the mountain.
3. The head is magnificent. thinks they make an 1. Possible: The writer
judge wears a page 18: awful noise. approves of the
headpiece of curls 1. fact, fact, opinion page 27: 2. C traffic light.
that reaches to the 2. Possible: One reason 1. opinion, fact, fact 3. B 2. C
shoulders. given is that comic 2. Possible: During World 4. Possible: The cat might 3. B
3. After all, it is ridiculous. strips are reduced when War II, 350 of them be confused by a bird 4. Possible: A car
printed in newspapers. worked as code talkers. that sounds like a car. manufacturer might
page 11: 3. Possible: I find this 3. You have to be brilliant be in favor because
really annoying. to break a code. page 35: it promotes order and
1. opinion, fact, fact 1. Possible: The writer
2. Possible: He was born safety for drivers.
page 19: page 28: is not fond of the smell
in Russia in 1920 but 1. fact, opinion, fact 1. Possible: The writer is of wet dogs. page 43:
came to the United 2. Possible: In Korea, concerned about them 2. A 1. Possible: The writer
States with his family people mark a child’s because of their 3. B seems to admire
when he was three. first birthday with a inaccuracies. 4. Possible: A cat lover Goldwyn.
3. Fantastic Voyage was celebration called tol. 2. C might be uninterested 2. A
definitely his best book. 3. Possible: That’s a good 3. B in dog problems. 3. C
page 12: choice. 4. Possible: People might 4. Possible: A competitor
be pleased because it page 36: might not find them
1. fact, opinion, fact page 20: 1. Possible: The writer
2. Possible: Most surfers makes Greenland seem amusing.
1. opinion, fact, opinion more important. thinks they are
find their waves in the 2. Possible: This is a curious and strange. page 44:
ocean, but in Brazil, settlement that is page 29: 2. B 1. Possible: The writer
surfers find them in now an outdoor 1. Possible: The writer thinks 3. C finds the custom quaint.
the Amazon River. history museum. the treatment is great. 4. Possible: A baker 2. B
3. Surfing for miles up 3. You’ll enjoy this place. 2. A might adore fruitcake 3. C
the river is much 3. A and be offended the 4. Possible: A hostess
more fun than a page 21: 4. Possible: That person writer’s opinion. might find them useful.
short ocean ride. 1. fact, opinion, fact might think that it is
2. Possible: A huge unfair to spend so much page 37: page 45:
page 13: mountain system 1. Possible: The writer 1. Possible: Scientists in
1. opinion, opinion, fact money on dogs when
stretches across people need help. seems to admire China have been sending
2. Possible: Snowflakes 1,500 miles of Asia. dolphins. seeds into space. The
form when water 3. They must have page 30: 2. A seeds are exposed to
vapor condenses been brave. 1. Possible: The writer 3. B different extraterrestrial
into crystals. admires the work of 4. Possible: A sailor conditions such as
3. Each snowflake is page 22: Douglas. may think dolphins radiation or zero gravity.
a work of art. 1. opinion, opinion, fact 2. C are special. The seeds are then
2. Possible: This city 3. C planted back on Earth.
page 14: hosts an annual page 38:
1. fact, opinion, fact 4. Possible: A builder 2. Possible: The writer is
celebration called Mud might think parts of 1. Possible: The writer upset about space
2. Possible: This Day in Hines Park. thinks they are
window, with its three the Everglades should veggies.
3. That’s a lot of mud! be developed. magnificent. 3. Possible: The results
panels and curved 2. C
top, takes its name page 23: are disturbing. They’re
page 31: 3. A probably not safe!
from the architect 1. opinion, fact, fact 1. Possible: The writer is 4. Possible: A person living
Andrea Palladio. 2. It’s very impressive. not convinced that near the tigers’ habitat page 46:
3. That was an excellent 3. Possible: Eartha is scientists know what might be concerned 1. Possible: The writer is
time for talented more than 41 feet in they are doing. about being attacked. amused but somewhat
people. diameter and weighs 2. A tongue-in-cheek about
about 5,600 pounds. 3. B page 39: extreme ironing.
1. Possible: The writer 2. Possible: No kidding! Wow!
thinks they are useful. Starch manufacturers
2. A must be thrilled.
3. A

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