Lesson · R.2.1
Fact, opinion, and bias
How to tell a supported fact from an opinion, spot an author's tone and bias, and catch the stereotypes that slip past a fast reader.
ObjectiveR.2.1Read2 minExam weightCraft and Structure ≈ 23% of Reading
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See editions and pricing →What you will be able to do
- Distinguish a verifiable fact from an opinion, however confidently it is stated.
- Spot the tone and loaded language that reveal an author's bias.
- Recognise a stereotype as bias applied to an entire group of people.
What the lesson concludes
- A fact can be verified against a source. An opinion cannot, however confidently it is worded.
- Tone, the attitude behind word choice, is often where an author's bias becomes visible.
- Bias favours one side, group, or outcome. A stereotype is bias applied to an entire group at once.
- Loaded language and one-sided examples are red flags even when a sentence sounds authoritative.
- Test any claim by asking whether it could be checked, and whether it generalises about people rather than describing them.