What’s More

Activity 1: Directions: (1) Read the passages below. (2) Evaluate the biases (for/against) made by

the author by answering the questions that follow. (3) For item with choices, encircle the letter of

your answer.

Passage A

The barangay chairman of a certain barrio was famous for being hardworking. He worked overtime

to get the job done, so he could submit reports days before the deadline. Despite of this positive attitude

toward work, most of his constituents hated him. He was said to be strict, inconsiderate, impulsive, tactless

and moreover, so consumed by the need to prove his power, that he treated his constituents mercilessly.

Furthermore, he was of Italian decent and we all know how cruel Italians are. Have you heard of the Italian

organized crime group?

Process Questions:

1. What words create positive and negative impressions about the barangay chairman?

2. Are the views presented objectively, or with open dislike and disrespect?

3. What additional information is necessary?

a. his political color

b. what made him strict, inconsiderate…

c. family background

d. educational attainment

4. Which sources of bias are present in the text?

a. Loaded words

b. Stereotypes

c. Opinions

d. One-sided arguments

e. Vague language or generalizations