Bias and Credibility Quiz

Read the passage:

"Our school should replace all printed textbooks with tablets next year. Tablets are the best choice for every student, and only outdated teachers would disagree."

The writer does not mention any problems students might have with screens, internet access, or broken devices. What shows the author’s bias in this passage?

• The author uses too many dates.

• The author strongly favors one side and dismisses other viewpoints.

• The author includes too many interviews.

• The author explains both sides equally.

Answer explanation

The author strongly favors tablets and dismisses potential issues, indicating a bias. By not addressing opposing viewpoints, the author presents a one-sided argument, which is the source of their bias.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Read the passage below and answer the question.

"According to the city parks department, the new walking trail will be one mile long and will include benches, lights, and signs. Construction will begin in June and end in August. These details were shared in a public update on the department’s website."

Why does this passage seem credible?

• It uses emotional language to convince readers.

• It tells a personal story about the park.

• It avoids all specific details.

• It includes specific facts from an official source.

Answer explanation

The passage includes specific facts such as the length of the trail, features like benches and lights, and construction dates, all sourced from the city parks department, making it credible.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

Read the passage:

"This snack brand is the most amazing choice for every student. It is healthier, tastier, and more exciting than every other snack in stores. Anyone who buys a different brand is making a bad decision."

How does the author’s bias influence the credibility of the passage?

• The strong positive bias may weaken credibility because the language is exaggerated.

• The positive bias makes the passage more trustworthy.

• The bias has no effect because the writer sounds confident.

• The passage is more credible because it insults people who disagree.

Answer explanation

The strong positive bias may weaken credibility because the language is exaggerated. The author's claims about the snack brand being the best and calling other choices bad decisions suggest a lack of objectivity.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

Read the passage:

"The article was written by a company that sells the sports drink being discussed. The article says the drink is perfect for teens and includes only positive customer reviews. It does not mention cost, sugar, or other concerns."

Which detail best indicates a possible source of bias in the article?

• The article uses complete sentences.

• The article was written by the company selling the product.

• The article includes customer comments.

• The article is about a drink.

Answer explanation

The detail that best shows the source of possible bias is that the article was written by the company selling the product. This indicates a conflict of interest, as the company may present only favorable information.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Read the passage:

"A student newspaper article about school lunch features interviews with students, a statement from the cafeteria manager, and survey results from 200 students. The writer notes that some students like the meals, while others wish for more variety. The article presents both facts and multiple opinions."

What increases the credibility of this text?

• It presents only one viewpoint.

• It discusses only student complaints.

• It offers various perspectives and supporting evidence.

• It leaves out all factual information.

Answer explanation

The text's credibility is enhanced by including several perspectives and evidence, such as student interviews and survey results, which provide a balanced view rather than a single point of view.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Read the passage.

"Only lazy students would argue against homework help after school. Everyone knows this program would fix almost every academic problem. Clearly, people who disagree do not care about learning."

Which answer best explains the author’s bias?

• The author uses insulting language and unfair generalizations.

• The author includes balanced evidence.

• The author explains several viewpoints.

• The author gives only neutral facts.

Answer explanation

The author uses insulting language, labeling those who disagree as 'lazy' and suggesting they 'do not care about learning.' This reflects bias through unfair generalizations rather than balanced evidence or neutral facts.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

A blog post argues that school uniforms should be banned, stating they are boring and unfair. However, the writer does not provide examples, data, or expert opinions—only personal feelings. How does the author’s bias impact the credibility of the post?

• It makes the post more credible because the opinion is strong.

• It improves credibility because blogs do not need evidence.

• It may reduce credibility because the claim is not supported with evidence.

• It has no effect because school uniforms are a common topic.

Answer explanation

The author's bias reduces credibility because the claim against school uniforms lacks supporting evidence, making it less persuasive and relying solely on personal feelings.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

A newspaper reviewer mentions working with a theater group for five years, praises the actors as the most talented in the city, and calls the show perfect, without noting any flaws. What is the most likely reason for the author’s bias?

• The review includes three sentences.

• The writer may have a personal connection to the theater group.

• The review uses the word talented.

• The writer talks about actors.

Answer explanation

The writer's personal connection to the theater group likely influences her positive review, leading to bias. This connection may prevent her from acknowledging any weaknesses in the performance.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

A science article explains that sleep helps the body and brain recover. It includes information from medical researchers, results from several studies, and a note that scientists are still learning more. The article avoids making claims that go beyond the evidence. What impact does this have on the credibility of the text?

• It makes the text less credible because the article is careful.

• It makes the text more credible because the article uses research and avoids overstating claims.

• It makes the text less credible because the article includes studies.

• It makes no difference because science texts are always biased.

Answer explanation

It makes the text more credible because the article uses research and avoids overstating claims. This careful approach enhances trust in the information presented, aligning with scientific standards.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

A parent blog claims that online learning is terrible for all students, stating it causes stress, confusion, and poor grades. However, the author provides no evidence and mentions only negative experiences, focusing solely on negative examples. What is the main issue with the credibility of the text?

• The author includes too many viewpoints.

• The author is too neutral.

• The author’s one-sided bias and lack of evidence weaken credibility.

• The author uses facts, so the passage is strong.

Answer explanation

The correct answer highlights that the author's one-sided bias and lack of evidence undermine the credibility of the text. By only presenting negative experiences, the author fails to provide a balanced view.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.6