Reading Comprehension Fact, Opinion and Author's Bias 1

Question 1

"The Amazon rainforest covers approximately 5.5 million square kilometers and produces about 20% of the world's oxygen. It is clearly the most important ecosystem on Earth and must be protected above all others." Question: Which sentence from the passage states a fact?

Accepted Answer

The Amazon rainforest covers approximately 5.5 million square kilometers and produces about 20% of the world's oxygen.

Answer

The size and oxygen production figures are measurable and verifiable; 'most important' and 'must be protected' express the author's values and judgments.

Question 2

A restaurant review reads: "The new downtown bistro seats 80 guests across two floors. The pasta dishes are absolutely divine, and the dessert menu is the most creative in the city. Reservations are required on weekends." Question: Which statement is an opinion?

Accepted Answer

The pasta dishes are absolutely divine.

Answer

'Absolutely divine' is a subjective taste judgment that cannot be independently verified, making it an opinion rather than a fact.

Question 3

A political speech states: "Our city's unemployment rate fell from 8% to 5% over the past two years. This is proof that our economic policies are working brilliantly, and anyone who disagrees simply does not understand economics." Question: What bias does the author reveal?

Accepted Answer

The author presents the data selectively to credit only their own policies and dismisses critics as ignorant.

Answer

The author attributes the drop solely to 'our policies' without considering other factors, and dismisses dissent with an ad hominem attack, revealing a self-serving bias.

Question 4

"Mount Everest stands 8,849 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain on Earth. Every serious mountaineer should attempt to summit it at least once in their lifetime." Question: Which part of the passage is a fact?

Accepted Answer

Mount Everest stands 8,849 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain on Earth.

Answer

The height and ranking of Everest are measurable and documented; the recommendation that 'every serious mountaineer should summit it' is a prescriptive opinion.

Question 5

A newspaper article about a new park reads: "The city council approved a $3 million budget for the park project. Residents in the area are thrilled about the new green space, while business owners worry about construction disrupting traffic for 18 months." Question: What technique does the author use to maintain balance?

Accepted Answer

The author presents both a positive perspective (residents) and a negative concern (business owners).

Answer

By voicing both residents' enthusiasm and business owners' concerns, the author represents two opposing viewpoints, which is a hallmark of balanced reporting.

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

Reading Comprehension Fact, Opinion and Author's Bias 1