Which sentence states a fact?
W. E. B. Du Bois's essays were compelling and insightful, but sometimes the language he used was difficult to understand. W. E. B. Du Bois was a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
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 looking up founders of NAACP.
W. E. B. Du Bois was a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The first sentence states an opinion. Compelling and insightful indicates a personal judgment.
W. E. B. Du Bois's essays were compelling and insightful, but sometimes the language he used was difficult to understand.