Which sentence states a fact?
The cheetah is the fastest land mammal in the world, followed by the pronghorn. Pronghorns are animals that look similar to deer, only cuter.
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 first sentence states a fact. It can be verified by comparing the speeds of land mammals.
The cheetah is the fastest land mammal in the world, followed by the pronghorn.
The second sentence states an opinion. Cuter indicates a personal judgment.
Pronghorns are animals that look similar to deer, only cuter.