3002.5.9 Identify a statement that reveals the writer’s biases, stereotypes, and assumptions

3002.3.12 Determine the writer’s purpose in a writing sample

3002.3.10 Identify a statement that reveals the writer’s attitude.

3002.6.1 Discern the stated or implied main idea of a passage

BiasedWhat does it mean when someone is biased?

Bias is a prejudice that prevents someone from being impartial. Biased people show favoritism.

The mother was biased towards her baby. She thought her baby was the cutest baby in the world!

Other people saw her baby for what he was…. ( definitely NOT cute).

Little Jon Jon had a face that only a mother could love.

Biased writing may only give one side of an issue, may distort information toward a certain point of view, or could be outright misleading toward a particular point of view or way of thinking.

Example: Your writing assessment papers are biased. You pick a side of the argument to agree with, and you are biased towards that side.

A magazine article is comparing two types of music players, but it is clearly in favor of only one of them.

Notice if the author is presenting only one point of view as “THE TRUTH.” If an author is being truthful, he/she will usually present BOTH sides of an argument.

Stereotypes What is a stereotype?

To characterize a person or thing into a particular “group” or “mold” based on previous prejudices or observations. Stereotypes are not always true or reliable.

Many police officers have been seen eating donuts in coffee shops. Because of this observation, many people have stereotyped policemen and people believe that all police eat donuts.

To assume: To believe something is true without first knowing the facts or taking into account the individual situation.

Example: I assume (stereotype) that “most” hard-

core rappers have been arrested.I assume (stereotype) that most sweet old

women on television have not been arrested.

Look at the following pictures and write down the FIRST ASSUMPTION that comes to your mind about each person.

Do this on your paper.

NerdDorkyUnpopularAnnoyingGeniusMakes good grades

Now look at this one…

Write what assumptions come to your mind when you see this picture.

Never bathesSpends hours in front of the T.V.Couch potatoTalks in “gamer code” Weird He must be violent since he plays violent

games all dayMessySocially awkward

What stereotypes or assumptions do you make about these people?

GangstersKillersDrug dealersBeen arrestedUneducatedFrom rags to richesMeanHad hard lives

Can we create our own stereotypes? In other words, do we bring stereotypes upon ourselves. If so, how?

Writer’s Attitude

The writer’s attitude or feeling toward the topic shows up in the tone of the writing. This attitude can be stated clearly or implied.

Let’s practice looking for attitude in a writing sample.

The words “obvious enough” come directly from the writer’s opinions. This lets us know her attitude.

Author’s Purpose for writing

Some authors write to persuade others to agree with them, while others simply want to inform or

educate.