Colonial Kelly

The other day I gave a makeup test on fact and opinion to a student. For the source material, I used the Kurt Vonnegut short story "All The King's Horses" that we read in class that day. If you have not read said story, all you really need to know for the following is A) Colonel Kelly is the protagonist and leader of a group of American soldiers who crash-land in enemy territory, and B) it takes place in the Asian countryside.

Now that I've offered those facts, allow me to dilute your burgeoning understanding of the text.


1. In a complete sentence, explain the difference between fact and opinion.

"Fact is a true statement
Opinion is a statement of their own belief." [fine enough]

2. Identify one fact in this passage or story and explain why it is so. Identify one opinion in this story and explain why it is so.

Fact: "Kelly is the leader of the Americans." [all right]

Explanation: "Kelly is the colonial of the Americans. Colonial means leader or captain." [Hmm, getting colder... though I appreciate the explanation of the word "colonial" as I was not aware of that nuance]

Opinion: "The jungle of Asia must not have much." [ye--wait, what?]

Explanation: "I can't imagine Asia with an amazing jungle."


To be fair I hear the Asian jungles are pretty mediocre.