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Newspapers also include editorials and commentary in addition to facts. Here are some activities to help students understand the differences.

Week 18: Fiction or Non-Fiction?

Talk about the difference between fiction and non-fiction writing. Next have them re-write a selected Teenlink article as a fictional work, complete with a title. Share their "stories" with the class.

LA.B.1.4 – The student uses writing processes effectively.
LA.B.2.4 – The student writes to communicate ideas and information effectively.
LA.A.1.4 – The student uses the reading process effectively.
LA.A.2.4 – The student constructs meaning from a wide range of texts.

Week 19: "Talk Back"

Have students read through the "Talk Back" page in Teenlink. Ask them to look at the featured questions and write down their own answers. Encourage them to respond to the questions online at www.teenlinksouthflorida.com to vote on each week's issues. As an extension you may want to have them research the topics further. This is also a good time to discuss the differences between fact and opinion.

LA.A.1.4 – The student uses the reading process effectively.
LA.A.2.4 – The student constructs meaning from a wide range of texts.
LA.B.2.4 – The student writes to communicate ideas and information effectively.

Week 20: Fact vs. Opinion

Have students mark each of the following statements with an F for fact or with an O for opinion. They should then label each factual statement as either true or false. They may have to research some of the answers. Next have them mark opinion statements with either agree or disagree, depending on their views. Discuss answers with the class.

A teenager should have a dog.
In South Florida, 52% of the auto accidents last month involved teens.
The current curfew requires that all persons 17 years of age and under be off the streets by 11 p.m.
Curfews have reduced youth-related crime.
Curfews violate the rights of teens.
On average, boys in our school are three inches taller than the girls.
Last year girls in our school received higher overall grades than the boys.
The girls in our school are smarter than the boys.
The boys in our school are more mature than the girls.
Any student over the age of 12 should be allowed to choose what he/she would eat for lunch every day.
The cafeteria in our school seats 400 students.
Schools should always provide a smoking area, as long as it is outside.
Our school is a smoke-free environment.
Smoking is hazardous to your health.
Teens should not be allowed to drive at night until the age of 21.

Next select a news item in Teenlink. Have students underline all statements of fact and circle all statements of opinion.

LA.A.1.4 – The student uses the reading process effectively.
LA.A.2.4 – The student constructs meaning from a wide range of texts.
LA.C.1.4 – The student uses listening strategies effectively.
LA.C.3.4 – The student uses speaking strategies effectively.