READING – Bias
rev. August 2005
BIAS
Bias is prejudice about or leaning towards something.
An author shows bias by leaving out information or by altering
facts to force the reader to have a certain opinion about a subject,
or to convince the reader to take a certain action.
Critical reading requires that a reader recognize bias in writing.
Without this recognition, the reader may become the victim of the
writer’s propaganda. To identify bias in a passage or article, the reader must read through the
material and ask, “What does the writer want me to think or to do?” Bias is often present in
editorials, advertisements, religious publications, and political materials.
There are several common devices or techniques used by writers of propaganda and biased
material. Some of these are”
1. USE OF WORDS FOR EMOTIONAL EFFECT
Words like “commie,” “racist,” “hippie,” “liberal,” “pinko,” and others are used to
promote either a positive or a negative response in the reader.
2. REFERENCE TO GREAT MEN
Politicians often refer to famous men in the history of our country in order to gain
support for their ideas.
3. FLATTERY
The writer may use praise to try to gain a positive reaction from the reader.
4. STACKING THE CARDS
Instead of giving an objective description, the writer may give evidence to support
only one side of a question and may deliberately omit any opposing ideas.
5. BANDWAGON
A writer might suggest that everyone is doing something or thinking in a certain way
and that the reader should do the same.
6. PLAIN FOLKS
Many politicians and advertisers try to appeal to common people. Politicians attempt to
make voters identify with them by presenting themselves as ordinary people.
