Bias — English definition
Defined in 3 courses:
- A slant toward one side that can affect how fairly information is presented. (English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility)
- A slant or leaning in how information is presented, often favoring one perspective over others. (English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences)
- A systematic slant in what a source selects, emphasizes, or omits, which tilts the audience toward a particular conclusion. (English 12: Complex Texts, Independent Inquiry & Public Voice)
Where it is taught
- Research & Credible Sources — Research & Source-Based Writing, English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility, Grade 8
- Evaluating Sources & Bias — Research & Source-Based Writing, English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry, Grade 9
- Evaluating Sources — Research & Source-Based Writing, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
- Public Discourse & Media — Argument & Rhetoric, English 12: Complex Texts, Independent Inquiry & Public Voice, Grade 12
In use
And does it show obvious bias — a slant toward one side that colors how fairly it presents information, or a sense that it's trying to sell you something?
Research & Credible Sources
The next thing to weigh is bias — a slant in how information is presented.
Evaluating Sources & Bias
Bias means a perspective or systematic slant, not automatic falsehood.
Evaluating Sources
Questions using bias
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Ask how the mural program represents a named worker’s role compared with the archive records. Analyze what each source includes, its purpose, and omissions; visitor comments may show responses but not the full audience.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Ask how the mural program represents a named worker’s role compared with the archive records. Analyze what each source includes, its purpose, and omissions; visitor comments may show responses but not the full audience.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
The company has a sales interest, but that alone does not prove the count false. Ask for sample size, measurement, selection and comparison; the claim cannot establish tutoring caused the improvement without those details. A complete response supplies context, a focused claim, a brief supporting detail, explanation, and a relevant qualification. Do not simply repeat this model.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.
Taught alongside
- credible source
- plagiarism
- paraphrase
- credibility
- primary source
- secondary source
- currency
- relevance
- framing
- spin
- false balance
- agenda-setting