3rd Grade Fact, Opinion, and Evidence worksheets

Fact, Opinion, and Evidence

Grade 3 Reading Worksheet

Circle the answer.

1. Read this first

   Up in a Hot Air Balloon

   A hot air balloon is one of the oldest ways people have flown. It has three main parts. The big cloth bag on top is called the envelope. Under it hangs a basket where riders stand. Between them is a burner that makes a hot flame.

   Hot air balloons work because hot air rises. The burner heats the air inside the envelope. Hot air is lighter than the cool air around it, so the balloon floats up. To come down, the pilot lets the air inside cool off.

   The first hot air balloon with passengers flew in France in 1783. The riders were a sheep, a duck, and a rooster! They landed safely after about eight minutes.

   Today, people ride balloons for fun all over the world. Each October, a big balloon festival takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hundreds of balloons fill the sky there.

   In my opinion, a balloon ride is the most peaceful trip a person can take. Balloons drift slowly with the wind, so the ride feels calm and quiet. Riding at sunrise is the best time because the sky glows pink and gold. Some people are nervous about being up so high. I think they should try it anyway. The view is worth it!

2. 1.

   Which sentence is a fact from the text?

   • The view from a balloon is worth it.
   • Riding at sunrise is the best time to go.
   • A balloon ride is the most peaceful trip.
   • The first balloon with passengers flew in 1783.
3. 2.

   Which sentence is an opinion from the text?

   • Hot air is lighter than cool air.
   • Hundreds of balloons fill the sky there.
   • Riding at sunrise is the best time.
   • The riders were a sheep, a duck, and a rooster.
4. 3.

   How could you check the fact about the 1783 flight?

   • read about it in a history book
   • decide if the animals were brave
   • ask a friend if balloons are fun
   • look at a balloon at sunrise
5. 4.

   Which words signal an opinion in 'a balloon ride is the most peaceful trip a person can take'?

   • a person
   • most peaceful
   • balloon ride
   • can take
6. 5.

   Which sentence from the text is a fact about how a balloon works?

   • I think they should try it anyway.
   • Riding at sunrise is the best time because the sky glows pink and gold.
   • The view is worth it!
   • The burner heats the air inside the envelope.
7. 6.

   What does the writer think nervous people should do?

   • try a balloon ride anyway
   • stay down on the ground
   • go to the festival instead
   • ride only in the evening
8. 7.

   In this text, what is the envelope?

   • the burner that makes a hot flame
   • the basket where the riders stand
   • a paper holder for mailing a letter
   • the cloth bag on top of the balloon
9. 8.

   Is this a fact or an opinion? 'Hot air balloons work because hot air rises.'

   • fact, because the writer believes it
   • opinion, because it uses the word because
   • fact, because science can prove it
   • opinion, because some people dislike balloons
10. 9.

    Which pair labels a fact and an opinion correctly?

    • Fact: A ride is peaceful. Opinion: The festival is in October.
    • Fact: The view is worth it. Opinion: Balloons drift with the wind.
    • Fact: Balloons drift with the wind. Opinion: The view is worth it.
    • Fact: Sunrise is the best time. Opinion: Balloons have a basket.
11. 10.

    Why might someone disagree with the writer's last paragraph?

    • They might feel scared, not calm, up high.
    • They might know the first flight was in 1783.
    • They might know that hot air always rises.
    • They might know a balloon has three parts.