Prereading Quiz: Can You Spot the Bias?
Before you read “Can You Spot the Bias?,” take this five-question quiz to find out how much you already know.
What is bias?
Bias is a slant or distortion used to benefit or disadvantage a particular person, group, or thing. A biased news article is unfairly slanted to benefit one side of a given issue or topic.
True or false: Trustworthy journalists intentionally add bias to news stories to convince readers to agree with them.
False! Trustworthy media outlets and journalists try to cover the news in a fair and balanced way—reporting on what is happening but not on how people should feel about it. Despite journalists’ best intentions, though, bias can sometimes still find its way into news stories.
Which is a sign that a news story likely contains bias?
Experts say biased articles sometimes use opinionated or sensational language. Examples include bombshell, brutal, expose, and humiliate.
What is one way to help ensure that you learn about multiple sides of an issue?
Media experts suggest seeing how multiple media outlets cover the same topic so you can see what they agree on and where bias may be creeping in.
Which is an example of bias in the media?
News coverage may be biased if it appears to favor one political party over another. That type of bias is called partisan bias.