Bias is when an author makes their opinion about a topic obvious in what they are writing.
Download and read the article "Back on the Chain Gang." As you read, write down any words that you think make the author sound positive, negative or neutral toward the topic. If you think the word is positive, write "p" next to it, if you think the word is negative write "n" next to it, and if you think the word is neutral write "neu." (You can also use the signs +,- and =.)
In expository writing such as feature articles or research papers, writers usually try to avoid bias and to simply give their audience the most information possible about their topic. Even if the topic is a controversial one, expository writing is designed to help readers come to their own conclusions.
Read what you have written so far for your own research paper or feature article. Are there any words that you think are positive or negative? locate them and replace them with neutral words if needed.
Expository writing lesson #13: what is bias?
