Question 1: Identify a statement in the passage that is a fact. Provide the sentence and explain why it is a fact.

Answer: Example: 'The city of Hartville has undergone significant transformation.' It is a fact because it can be verified through city records and observable changes.

Question 2: Find an opinion in the passage. Write the sentence and explain what makes it an opinion.

Answer: Example: 'The city’s approach to law enforcement reflects a misguided attempt at control rather than genuine community concern.' This is an opinion because it reflects the columnist's personal viewpoint.

Question 3: Which phrase suggests a subjective point of view? Choose one and explain your choice.

Answer: a) 'law enforcement reflects a misguided attempt' – it presents an opinion about the policies.

Question 4: Explain how the phrase 'mixed feelings' indicates an opinion or fact.

Answer: It's an opinion because it describes residents' feelings without quantifying or verifying them objectively.

Question 5: Identify any language in the passage that shows bias or an emotional tone.

Answer: The phrase 'misguided attempt' shows a negative emotional tone and bias against the policies.

Question 6: Based on the passage, how can you tell if a statement is an opinion or a fact? List at least two criteria.

Answer: A statement is a fact if it can be verified through evidence or data. It is an opinion if it reflects personal feelings, beliefs, or judgments that cannot be proven objectively.

Question 7: Write a brief paragraph explaining why it is important to distinguish between fact and opinion when reading news articles.

Answer: Distinguishing between fact and opinion helps readers critically evaluate the information they receive. It allows them to recognize bias, identify credible sources, and form their own informed opinions based on verified data rather than personal beliefs or emotional appeals.

Question 8: Create a short news headline based on the passage that states a fact and another that expresses an opinion.

Answer: Fact headline: 'Hartville undergoes city transformation.' Opinion headline: 'City policies are a misguided attempt at control.'

Question 9: Write a brief reflection on how recognizing opinions in news reports can affect your understanding of current events.

Answer: Recognizing opinions helps me understand the perspective or bias of the author, encouraging me to think critically about the information presented. It also helps me differentiate between objective facts and subjective views, leading to a more balanced understanding of current events.