The Case for a Later School Bell - Identifying author bias in informational texts (Grade 6)

According to the passage, what is the scientific term for the body's internal clock?

• Daily struggle

• Circadian rhythm

• Logistical problem

• Academic success

Answer explanation

The passage directly states, 'During the teenage years, the body's internal clock, known as its circadian rhythm, shifts.'

What is the author's primary purpose for writing this passage?

• To describe the science of sleep in detail

• To entertain readers with stories about tired students

• To persuade readers that later school start times are better for students

• To list the schedules of different schools across the country

Answer explanation

The author presents arguments, scientific reasons, and positive results to convince the reader of the benefits of later start times, which indicates a persuasive purpose.

How does the author try to make the arguments against later start times seem less important?

• By providing a long list of solutions to busing problems

• By interviewing bus drivers and sports coaches

• By calling them 'minor scheduling adjustments'

• By admitting that these problems cannot be solved

Answer explanation

The author minimizes the opposing viewpoint by referring to the challenges as 'minor scheduling adjustments,' which suggests they are not significant barriers.

Sort the following items from the passage into the categories 'Evidence Used by the Author' and 'Author's Biased Wording'.

Groups:

(a) Evidence Used by the Author

,

(b) Author's Biased Wording

• grades and test scores go up

• overwhelming evidence

• minor adjustments

• fewer car accidents

• improved attendance

• dramatic improvements

Answer explanation

The author presents factual evidence like improved attendance and fewer accidents. The author also uses biased, persuasive language like 'dramatic improvements' and 'overwhelming evidence' to influence the reader's opinion and downplays opposition with phrases like 'minor adjustments'.

Match the author's claim to the word that best describes the author's point of view.

• Highlighting academic benefits

• Mentioning fewer car accidents

• Focusing on safety benefits

• Calling logistical issues 'minor adjustments'

• Dismissing counterarguments

• Citing improved grades and test scores

• Emphasizing the negative effects of early start times

• Using phrases like 'daily struggle'

Answer explanation

The author uses specific techniques to convey their point of view: 'daily struggle' emphasizes negative effects; citing grades highlights academic benefits; mentioning accidents focuses on safety; and calling issues 'minor' dismisses opposing views.

Analyze how the author's choice of words and selection of facts work together to persuade the reader. Explain the author's point of view and give at least two examples from the text to support your answer.