"A book, too, can be a star, 'explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,' a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe." - from Madeleine L'Engle's Newberry Medal Acceptance Speech

Monday, October 7, 2013

Reading Nonfiction: author's purpose & bias

We have to read nonfiction critically. We can't accept all nonfiction to be the Truth.

1. Check for bias. What are the author's personal opinions and biases? What are examples of emotional, loaded, or dramatic words and phrases?

  1. Noun. a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
  2. Verb. influence in an unfair way; "you are biasing my choice by telling me yours"
Similar Words: prejudice, slant

2. What sources are used? Whose perspectives are provided? Whose are missing? Why?

3. Evaluate the author's arguments and opinions. What arguments are most convincing? Why? What are some weaknesses in the arguments?

More terms:

Objective is a statement that is completely unbiased. It is not touched by the speaker’s previous experiences or tastes. It is verifiable by looking up facts or performing mathematical calculations.

Subjective  is a statement that has been colored by the character of the speaker or writer. It often has a basis in reality, but reflects the perspective through with the speaker views reality. It cannot be verified using concrete facts and figures.

Read more: Difference Between Objective and Subjective | Difference Between | Objective vs Subjective http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-objective-and-subjective/#ixzz2h2t34EQL









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