Bias, Assumption Bias, Assumption and Viewpointand Viewpoint

BiasBias

A bias is a strong leaning in either a positive or negative direction.

 A bias is very similar to a prejudice

BiasBias

Good critical readers must be aware of their own biases and the

biases of others.

 Sometimes writers simply state

their biases; however, most biases are implied by the writer.

Reading Critically Reading Critically

A critical reader will study the author’s line of reasoning, notice whether opinions are supported by facts and reasons, and then decide if the author’s bias has hindered the making of a good

argument.

When reading…When reading…

Their biases will influence the way they present the material.

 Such caution is especially important

when the material deals with a controversial issue.

Loaded WordsLoaded Words

Pay attention to the author’s tone and choice of words to determine if a bias is present.

Loaded Words:connotations evoke emotional responses

Writers who have a particular point of view and want to persuade you to accept that view often make use of loaded words or

phrases.

AssumptionAssumption

A fact of statement taken for granted

Any examples?

Viewpoint Viewpoint

Imagine the author sitting in front of a blank computer screen. The author’s viewpoint is the very

reason the author types anything at all on his/her computer!

ViewpointViewpoint

So how do we know what the author’s viewpoint is, anyway

(and why should we care?)

Think about the details the author includes to make a point about a subject.

If we figure out the author’s views, we can understand what he/she wrote!

Author’s Viewpoint Author’s Viewpoint IncludesIncludes

His/her attitude -- what she thinks, feels, and believes.

His/her purpose for writing -- why she writes the story

Language Used Language Used

The words the author uses gives us clues about how the author feels about life’s

issues!

For example, if the author was describing America using words like: honor,

cherish, treasure, and proud…we can infer (infer means piece the clues together) that the author’s viewpoint

about America is…

America is…America is…

A good place to live and a great nation to be a part of!

Language UsedLanguage Used

If an author used the following words to describe the beach: cold, bitter wind, nauseating smell of fish, shrieking seagulls…we can infer (piece the clues together, remember?) that the author’s

view about life at the beach is…

The beach is…The beach is…

An awful, cruddy way to spend vacation!

ReviewReview

Bias: a strong leaning in either a positive or negative direction

Assumption: a fact or statement taken for granted

Viewpoint: the purpose the writer has and the details and attitudes which he/she

includes