Reading Comprehension Fact, Opinion and Author's Bias 3

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?

Accepted Answer

The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The author uses the survey to push a specific policy conclusion and dismisses opposing views as out of touch.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

It is the greatest engineering achievement in human history.

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

The author leaps from a research finding to a sweeping policy prescription ('every district must') that ignores financial constraints.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is afraid to fly is simply being irrational.

Answer

Calling a fear 'irrational' is a judgment about other people's emotional responses; the statistics and historical date are verifiable claims.

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

Reading Comprehension Fact, Opinion and Author's Bias 3