Reading Comprehension Fact, Opinion and Author's Bias 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: "Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets during his lifetime. His works are the most beautiful and profound pieces of literature ever written in the English language." Question: Which sentence is a fact?
- Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets during his lifetime. (Correct answer)
- His works are the most beautiful and profound pieces of literature ever written in English.
- Both sentences are facts.
- Neither sentence is verifiable.
Correct answer: Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets during his lifetime.
The number of plays and sonnets is a documented, countable fact; 'most beautiful and profound ever written' is a superlative aesthetic judgment.
Question 2: An op-ed about immigration reads: "Immigration levels to this country have doubled over the past decade. Immigrants are taking jobs from native-born workers and draining public resources. Stricter border controls are the only sensible solution." Question: What bias does the author display?
- The author presents a negative view of immigration without acknowledging economic contributions immigrants make or alternative policy views. (Correct answer)
- The author is biased in favor of immigration.
- The author presents a balanced view of immigration policy.
- The author is biased against border enforcement in general.
Correct answer: The author presents a negative view of immigration without acknowledging economic contributions immigrants make or alternative policy views.
The author uses negative framing ('taking jobs,' 'draining resources') without presenting counterevidence and calls one controversial policy 'the only sensible solution,' revealing anti-immigration bias.
Question 3: "The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 and stands 330 meters tall. It attracts about 7 million visitors each year. Paris is obviously the most romantic city in the world." Question: Which sentence is an opinion?
- Paris is obviously the most romantic city in the world. (Correct answer)
- The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 and stands 330 meters tall.
- It attracts about 7 million visitors each year.
- The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris.
Correct answer: Paris is obviously the most romantic city in the world.
'Most romantic city in the world' is a subjective ranking based on feelings; the tower's height, construction date, and visitor numbers are measurable.
Question 4: A health magazine states: "A 2024 study found that adults who sleep fewer than 6 hours per night have a 30% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Getting enough sleep is the most important thing you can do for your health — far more important than diet or exercise." Question: Where does opinion appear?
- Getting enough sleep is the most important thing — far more important than diet or exercise — is an opinion that ranks health factors subjectively. (Correct answer)
- Adults who sleep fewer than 6 hours have a 30% higher cardiovascular risk is an opinion.
- Both sentences are opinions.
- Both sentences are facts.
Correct answer: Getting enough sleep is the most important thing — far more important than diet or exercise — is an opinion that ranks health factors subjectively.
The 30% risk increase comes from a study and is a measurable fact; ranking sleep as 'most important… far more than diet or exercise' is a value judgment unsupported by the study alone.
Question 5: A news report reads: "The city council voted 7–2 to approve the new stadium. Supporters argue it will create 2,000 construction jobs. Critics say the $500 million cost is too high given the city's underfunded schools." Question: What approach does this passage demonstrate?
- Balanced reporting that presents both supporters' and critics' perspectives. (Correct answer)
- Biased reporting that favors the stadium construction.
- Biased reporting that opposes the stadium.
- A report that contains no facts, only opinions.
Correct answer: Balanced reporting that presents both supporters' and critics' perspectives.
The report states the factual vote count and then presents both the pro side (jobs) and the con side (cost vs. schools), which is the hallmark of balanced journalism.
Question 6: A food blog post reads: "Avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fats and are rich in potassium. One medium avocado provides about 240 calories. Avocado toast is the greatest breakfast invention of the 21st century." Question: Which sentence is an opinion?
- Avocado toast is the greatest breakfast invention of the 21st century. (Correct answer)
- Avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fats and are rich in potassium.
- One medium avocado provides about 240 calories.
- Avocados are a food product.
Correct answer: Avocado toast is the greatest breakfast invention of the 21st century.
'Greatest breakfast invention of the 21st century' is a hyperbolic, subjective ranking that reflects the author's enthusiasm rather than a measurable claim.
Question 7: An article about urban planning states: "Studies show that cities with more green spaces have lower rates of stress-related illness among residents. Adding parks and trees to urban environments is not only the right thing to do morally but is also the only acceptable course of action for city planners." Question: What shift occurs in the second sentence?
- The author moves from evidence-based reporting to a prescriptive moral judgment that goes beyond what the studies prove. (Correct answer)
- The author summarizes the study's findings accurately.
- The author presents a factual policy recommendation.
- The author shifts from opinion back to fact.
Correct answer: The author moves from evidence-based reporting to a prescriptive moral judgment that goes beyond what the studies prove.
The first sentence reports study findings; the second introduces 'morally right' and 'only acceptable' — value-laden language that prescribes action beyond what data alone can mandate.
Reading Comprehension Fact, Opinion and Author's Bias 5
"Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets during his lifetime.
His works are the most beautiful and profound pieces of literature ever written in the English language." Question: Which sentence is a fact?