LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

(LAS)

English 8
Quarter 3 - Module 1
Examining Biases
(for and against)
Made by the Author
English 8 - Q3 M1. ( LAS )

Name: ____________________________
Grade & Section: ___________________
Parent’s Signature: __________________
Date: _____________________________

Prepared by:

MA. CORAZON A. MENDOZA

Subject Teacher—English 8
LESSON:

Reading news articles and selections require a deep analysis of what is written to determine accuracy of information.
Every author has his or her views that can affect his or her discussion of an issue, opinions that you as a reader must
try to determine and understand. Even the most seemingly factual report, such as an article from Wikipedia, can carry
an understated or implied judgment. Such judgments reflect an author's bias, or preference for one side of an issue
over another. Before we examine biases in selections and texts, we must first know the differences between a fact
and opinion to better spot inclinations in writing.

A fact is something that has actually taken place or An opinion is defined as the personal view or
known to have existed, which can judgment about a topic or person, which may or
be validated with pieces of evidence, may not be supported by facts or positive
documentation, or research. knowledge. They are mostly based on assumptions.

Examples:
1. The Philippines is an archipelago with three island
groups — Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
2. It is raining today.
3. Our teacher in English is Mrs. Reyes.
Examples:
1. The Philippines is a nation of heroes.
2. I think it will rain today.
3. Our teacher in English is strict.

Bias is evident in statements that reflect partiality, preference, or prejudice for or against a person, object,
organization, or idea. If the author favors one side over the other, or judges someone without stating facts,
he/she has bias.

To be more specific in recognizing biases made by the author of an article or selection, here are the things we need
to look out for:

1. Facts and opinions – Facts are what they are – the truth. But opinions can be based on feelings, emotions, or
prejudices, which are not objective.
2. Loaded words – words that are charged with emotion (whether positive or negative) can reveal an author’s
opinion about his or her topic.
3. Stereotypes – if the author labels an entire group, the writing is probably biased.
4. Vague language or generalizations – if the author is not using specific language, this could be an indicator of bias.
5. One-sided arguments – if the author only presents one side of an argument, his or her writing is probably biased.

♦A biased author may not pay attention to facts or develop a logical argument to support his or her opinions.
♦Take note that just because an author has a strong bias does not mean that he or she has written something
invalid. However, it is best if you recognize the biases held by the author to balance the information you acquire from
the selection or article.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING ON A SHEET OF PAPER (INTERMEDIATE PAPER) KINDLY LABEL English Q3 M1. ( LAS )

Independent Activity 1 (Answers only)

Directions: Read the following statements. Distinguish whether they are fact or opinion.
1. Millions of people have been affected by Coronavirus.
2. Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective of all.
3. All patients with fever are infected by Coronavirus.
4. Wuhan in China was the place where Coronavirus first started.
5. Wearing face mask and face shield and observing social distancing are safety protocols against COVID-19.
Independent Assessment 1 (Answers only)
Directions: Read the following statements. Determine whether they are true or false.
Write T for true and F for false.
1. An opinion is mostly based on assumptions.
2. A fact can be validated with pieces of evidence, documentation, or research.
3. An author’s preference is always a fact.
4. The author who favors one side over the other is biased.
5. An opinion reflects the personal view of an author about a topic or person.

Independent Activity 2 (Answers only)

Directions: Read the following statements. Identify what bias indicator is being described in the following
statements. Choose from the pool of words inside the box. Write your answers on a separate sheet.
loaded words stereotypes facts and opinions
vague language or generalizations one-sided arguments

1. The author presents only one side of an argument.

2. The author does not use specific language.
3. The author labels an entire group.
4. The words used by the author are charged with emotions.
5. These are based on feelings, emotions, or prejudices.

Independent Assessment 2 (Answers only)

Directions: Read the following statements. Identify which bias indicator is present in each item. Choose from
Facts and Opinions, Loaded Words, Stereotypes, Vague Language/Generalizations, or One-sided Arguments.
1. When I met Mayor Solomon, I already noticed that he is an unhygienic person.
2. He has a dirty appearance and I think he is always like that.
3. Anyone who knows the mayor’s plan will tell you that it will not work.
4. He seems to be a member of a gang.
5. There is a sort of something I don’t like about Mayor Solomon.
6. Based on his actions and gestures, I conclude that he is bisexual.
7. In my opinion, we must support the Mayor.
8. I kind of like some of his suggestions for the city's improvement.
9. He may be the leader of the death squad because of his looks.
10. Seeing his plan, I know that his constituents will show their support for it.

Independent Activity 3 (Answers only)

Directions: From the article below, identify five (5) sentences that show positive or negative biases. Write
these five (5) sentences on your answer sheet. Number your paper 1-5.

Scientists are the best people in the planet. They use powerful computers to study the Earth’s atmosphere. These
computers help scientists predict changes in world climate. Our climate has undergone changes because of the bad habits
of people, especially the poor. For instance, scientists use computers to study what might happen if pollution increases or
decreases. Computers can also help scientists make recommendations to businesses, individuals, and other planet
polluters. They work very hard without the right compensation for their hard work. Eventually, we will know enough
about climate changes to be able to control them. Our planet is sort of deteriorating because of climate change, and
scientists are our saviors.

PERFORMANCE TASK: