Detecting Bias in Authors Choice of Words.pptx

Reading and Writing SKills

1. B. Detecting Bias in Author’s Choice of Words

2. What is Bias? 01 - is another technique that can affect your ability to analyze a reading material. 02 - refers to a subjective or personal point of view towards someone or something. 03 - person’s bias is directly revealed when he says or writes “I support that” or “I oppose that.”

3. To detect bias, consider the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. Connotative Words. Use of Stereotypes. Omitted Information. The Writer’s Background.

4. 1. Connotative Words. A connotation is a meaning of a word beyond simple dictionary definitions. Connotative words have an extra an extra “emotional charge,” in which positive, negative, or neutral. Examples: The words thin, slender, and skinny have similar dictionary definitions, but slender has a postive connotation, skinny is negative, and thin is neutral. The words student, scholar, and egghead are synonymous, but you would not want to be called an egghead, you would rather opt to be opt to be called a student, but you would prefer to be considered a scholar.

5. 2. Use of Stereotypes. A stereotype is a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like. It is an often unfair and untrue belief and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic. Examples: “Be nice to that Ilocano suitor of yours. Ilocanos are hardworking.” “All women should stay home and men should work.”

6. 3. Omitted Information. Deliberately omitting important information is a form of bias. Any information that does not support the writer’s purpose, belief, or cause is intentionally left out or deleted.

7. 4. The Writer’s Background. It is always helpful to know the writer’s background to determine bias. Is the information being provided slanted in his favor? Is it intended to benefit him, his organization, or his cause?

8. THANK YOU! GOD BLESS!