Which sentence states a fact?
Florence Nightingale's parents expected their daughter to get married, but she enrolled in nursing school in 1844 instead. Florence Nightingale's parents, William Shore and Frances Nightingale, were overly strict with their daughter.
A fact is something that can be proved by research or observation.
Napoleon Bonaparte was shorter than King Louis XVI.
The statement above is a fact. The statement can be proved by researching the height of each man and comparing them.
An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion cannot be proved.
Napoleon Bonaparte was a better leader than King Louis XVI.
The statement above is an opinion. People can have different ideas about what makes someone a "better" leader, so the statement cannot be proved.
The first sentence states a fact.
Florence Nightingale's parents expected their daughter to get married, but she enrolled in nursing school in 1844 instead.
It can be proved by reading a biography of Florence Nightingale.
The second sentence states an opinion.
Florence Nightingale's parents, William Shore and Frances Nightingale, were overly strict with their daughter.
Overly shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about whether William Shore and Frances Nightingale were too strict.