Reading Comprehension Fact, Opinion and Author's Bias 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: "The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons. Scientists who study the brain are engaged in the most fascinating field of research in existence today." Question: Which sentence states a fact?
- The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons. (Correct answer)
- Scientists who study the brain are engaged in the most fascinating field of research in existence today.
- Both sentences state facts.
- Neither sentence can be verified.
Correct answer: The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons.
The neuron count is an estimated figure based on scientific counting methods; 'most fascinating field' is a subjective ranking that varies by individual interest.
Question 2: A social media post reads: "A recent survey found that 68% of Americans support stricter gun control laws. This majority view should obviously become law immediately, and those who oppose it are clearly out of touch with the American public." Question: What bias does the author show?
- The author uses the survey to push a specific policy conclusion and dismisses opposing views as out of touch. (Correct answer)
- The author is biased against surveys and statistics.
- The author fairly represents both sides of the gun debate.
- The author is biased in favor of gun rights.
Correct answer: The author uses the survey to push a specific policy conclusion and dismisses opposing views as out of touch.
Moving from 'a majority support this' to 'it should obviously become law immediately' is a logical leap, and calling opponents 'out of touch' dismisses them without engaging their arguments.
Question 3: A history textbook states: "The Great Wall of China was built over many centuries, with major construction occurring during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). It stretches approximately 21,000 kilometers. It is the greatest engineering achievement in human history." Question: Which sentence is an opinion?
- It is the greatest engineering achievement in human history. (Correct answer)
- The Great Wall was built over many centuries.
- Major construction occurred during the Ming dynasty.
- It stretches approximately 21,000 kilometers.
Correct answer: It is the greatest engineering achievement in human history.
'Greatest engineering achievement in human history' is a superlative judgment that requires comparing all human achievements — a subjective ranking, not a verifiable fact.
Question 4: An editorial reads: "Studies show that students who attend schools with smaller class sizes score, on average, 12% higher on standardized tests. Clearly, every school district in the nation must immediately reduce class sizes regardless of cost." Question: Where does the author's bias appear?
- The author leaps from a research finding to a sweeping policy prescription ('every district must') that ignores financial constraints. (Correct answer)
- The author is biased against standardized testing.
- The author uses the study to argue against reducing class sizes.
- The author presents a perfectly balanced argument.
Correct answer: The author leaps from a research finding to a sweeping policy prescription ('every district must') that ignores financial constraints.
The study shows a correlation, but the author's use of 'clearly' and 'must immediately… regardless of cost' imposes a one-size-fits-all solution without acknowledging trade-offs.
Question 5: "The first commercial jet airliner, the de Havilland Comet, entered service in 1952. Flying is statistically the safest form of long-distance travel. Anyone who is afraid to fly is simply being irrational." Question: Which sentence is an opinion?
- Anyone who is afraid to fly is simply being irrational. (Correct answer)
- The de Havilland Comet entered service in 1952.
- Flying is statistically the safest form of long-distance travel.
- The de Havilland Comet was a jet airliner.
Correct answer: Anyone who is afraid to fly is simply being irrational.
Calling a fear 'irrational' is a judgment about other people's emotional responses; the statistics and historical date are verifiable claims.
Question 6: A food magazine article states: "Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that may support heart health. It has between 50% and 90% cacao content. Dark chocolate is undeniably the superior choice for any health-conscious person." Question: Which sentence is an opinion?
- Dark chocolate is undeniably the superior choice for any health-conscious person. (Correct answer)
- Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that may support heart health.
- It has between 50% and 90% cacao content.
- Dark chocolate exists as a distinct food product.
Correct answer: Dark chocolate is undeniably the superior choice for any health-conscious person.
'Undeniably the superior choice' is a broad evaluative judgment ignoring that individual health needs and taste preferences vary widely.
Question 7: A company press release reads: "Our new smartphone features a 200-megapixel camera and a 5,000 mAh battery. Independent lab tests confirmed it lasted 18 hours on a single charge. It is the most revolutionary phone ever released and will change the world forever." Question: What is true about the last sentence?
- It is a promotional opinion that exaggerates the phone's significance beyond what facts can support. (Correct answer)
- It is a fact supported by the lab test results.
- It is a fact about the phone's technical specifications.
- It is a neutral description of the phone's design.
Correct answer: It is a promotional opinion that exaggerates the phone's significance beyond what facts can support.
'Most revolutionary ever' and 'change the world forever' are hyperbolic marketing claims that express the company's self-interest rather than verifiable truths.
Reading Comprehension Fact, Opinion and Author's Bias 3
"The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons.
Scientists who study the brain are engaged in the most fascinating field of research in existence today." Question: Which sentence states a fact?