Evaluating Ideas: Identifying Author's Purpose and Bias
This worksheet helps 7th-grade students evaluate ideas by identifying an author's purpose and potential biases in texts.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Evaluating Ideas: Author's Purpose and Bias
Name:
Date:
Score:
Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to the author's purpose and any potential biases.
Passage 1: The Benefits of Year-Round Schooling
Many educators are advocating for a shift to year-round schooling. Proponents argue that a shorter summer break reduces learning loss, often referred to as the 'summer slide.' This means students spend less time reviewing material from the previous year and more time building on new concepts. Additionally, year-round schedules can provide more frequent, shorter breaks throughout the year, which can lead to reduced stress for both students and teachers. Critics, however, raise concerns about the impact on family vacations and the potential for increased childcare costs during shorter breaks.
1. What is the author's primary purpose in writing this passage?
To persuade readers to support year-round schooling.
To inform readers about the arguments for and against year-round schooling.
To entertain readers with a story about schooling.
To describe a typical school year.
2. Does the author show any bias in this passage? Explain your reasoning using evidence from the text.
Passage 2: Why Video Games Are Harmful
It is undeniable that video games are a scourge on today's youth. Hours spent staring at a screen lead to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to obesity and poor physical health. Furthermore, the violent content in many popular games desensitizes young people, making them more aggressive and less empathetic. Parents must take a stand and limit or even ban video game usage to protect their children's well-being and future.
3. What is the author's primary purpose in writing this passage?
To inform readers about the history of video games.
To persuade parents to limit video game usage.
To compare different types of video games.
To describe the features of popular video games.
4. Identify at least two words or phrases that reveal the author's strong bias against video games.
5. When an author wants to convince you of a particular viewpoint, their purpose is often to .
6. An author's personal feelings or opinions that influence how they present information can be described as .