Truth or Belief

This critical reading worksheet supports students in Grades 5 and 6 as they develop fact-and-opinion analysis, evidence-based reasoning, historical interpretation, and media literacy skills through the Dred Scott decision. By evaluating statements about the ruling, students learn to separate documented facts from personal beliefs, then practice rewriting opinion statements as factual ones supported by historical evidence.

Learning Goals

• Fact vs. Opinion (Grades 5-6) – Distinguish between objective historical facts and subjective opinions related to the Dred Scott case.
• Evaluating Evidence & Bias – Analyze how beliefs and viewpoints can influence interpretation of historical events.
• Civic & Historical Understanding – Examine how judicial rulings can be viewed differently by the public.
• Evidence-Based Rewriting – Practice transforming opinion statements into factual claims supported by proof.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary ELA, social studies, and civics standards.
• Clear Classification Task – Fact-or-opinion format strengthens close reading and reasoning skills.
• Writing Application Included – Rewriting activity reinforces accuracy and responsible use of evidence.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for critical reading lessons, media literacy instruction, unit reviews, or formative assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen critical thinking, historical accuracy, and media literacy by analyzing how facts and beliefs shape understanding of the Dred Scott decision. By identifying bias and supporting claims with evidence, learners build skills essential for informed reading and civic awareness. It’s a meaningful, no-prep resource that works well in both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Dred Scott Decision collection.