School Harrison Integrated School Teacher Jemely B. Saavedra 8 Learning Competency: Learning English Grade Level Area At the end of the lesson, students are expected to: 1. Understand the concept of bias; 2. Identify words or phrases that show bias in a text; 3. Recognize biases in author’s work; 4. Examine biases, for or against made by the author on a certain issue. EN8RC-IIIg-3.1.12 Examine biases (for or against) made by the author II. Learning Content Examine biases I. Objectives: III. Learning Resources https://tinyurl.com/facebookatheascafe https://tinyurl.com/yc3vmedm https://tinyurl.com/clipartworld https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/2/24/Comelecpresidential-debate-2022.html https://tinyurl.com/catrionagrayonmarijuana https://tinyurl.com/gmanews-lacsononmining https://tinyurl.com/tribune-iskonotobortion https://tinyurl.com/philstar-robredooniccprobe English Communication Arts and Skills through Afro-Asian Literature Grade 8 English Q3M1 Examining Biases ADM Module Learning Activity Sheets in English 8 W1Q3 Other learning materials IV. Learning Experiences Introductory Activities laptop, projector, PowerPoint presentation, Preliminaries and daily routines such as prayer, checking of attendance, and classroom management (Motivation) Show picture of a local cafe to the class Reviewing previous lesson/ Presenting the new lesson (scenario) Imagine you are going to Athea Faye’s Cafe, who would you pick to go along with you? Your friends? Or Your Family? When you are already inside the café, what would you likely prefer to order? Burger or fries? Milk Tea or Shake? Spaghetti or Carbonara? You are already seated with your preferred company, waiting for your orders. You take out your cellphone. Which social media app would you choose to open? Facebook? Or TikTok? You open the app, and saw some videos there, which would you likely prefer to watch? Video of a dog? Or video of a cat? Then you saw these beautiful tourist destinations and you are inspired to go for an adventure too. Which would you prefer? Swimming at Tinawagan beach? Or Hiking at Gabao hills? Were you able to make your choices? What made you choose your answers in this activity? Were your reasons based on facts or personal preference? Did you pick based on your favorites? What factors come into play when you choose based on your personal preference? Is it experience? Upbringing? Trend? Environment? Culture? Or other things? Establishing purpose for the lesson While it may sometimes be harmless to choose based on preferences; however, there are instances when these may easily make you biased in believing certain types of information. Our preference of one thing over the other may lead us to being biased. This may result to you forming biases which may later on turn into a belief that can alter your attitude towards an issue. Hence, in this lesson, you will learn how to examine biases especially in tackling issues and informing your beliefs. This will help make you sound judgements on given situations. Our personal preferences may lead us to being biased. Are you familiar with the word BIAS? K-pop idols? Presidential candidates? What does Bias mean? Presenting examples/instances of the new lesson To give you a hint, here are some examples. 1. I love all the foods being served, but there is no greater food than the spaghetti. 2. I don’t like to go swimming anymore; we live beside the sea. 3. Dogs are far superior as pets to the typical house-cat. What did you observe from the statements? Yes, that is right! The statements are unfair preference for or against something. Why is it unfair? -Because it is based on opinion or generalization, not from facts. Bias refers to an author’s expression of his/her own opinion on a particular issue without examining and presenting enough evidences. This arises from the author’s thinking which may be influenced by personal beliefs, culture, attitudes, preferences, and past experiences. In another definition, Bias means that a person prefers an idea and doesn’t give equal chance to a different idea. Bias means partiality for or prejudice against someone or something. Reading Task: Discussing new concepts and practicing new skills #1 Cats and dogs are both good pets. Dogs are affectionate, but they are extremely difficult to care for. Cats, on the other hand, are also very lovable and cuddly. They require only moderate care that isn’t time consuming. Based on the author’s choice of words, which do the author prefer? Cats or dogs? Cats, you are correct. You have just identified a bias. How about you? Do you also prefer cats over dogs just like the author? That is great. Remember We all have biases that reflect our opinions and outlook in life. Almost every piece of writing shows a little bit of bias. A reader’s job is to: Recognize biases; Think critically; Determine effects. On how much they affect the author’s presentation of his/her ideas. To further understand bias in writing, refer to this illustration: Bias in Writing can be defined as: Discussing new concepts and practicing new skills #2 It is a prejudice against something an author is writing about. Favoritism of what an author is writing about . An author letting feelings or emotions cloud his/her objectivity about something he/she is writing about BIASED UNBIASED SUBJECTIVE Unfair presentation of the issue or topic Focuses on one side of the issue or topic OBJECTIVE Fair presentation of the issue or topic Focuses on both sides of the issue or topic How do you determine the author’s biases? The author may state directly some of his/her biases by telling the reader his/her opinions on certain topics or admitting that he/she has a conflict of interest or preference. But when an author does not acknowledge his/her own bias, a skilled reader can infer what an author’s bias may be by looking at the author’s diction and use of evidence. Diction refers to the words or expressions that help convey the stand of the author towards an issue. These words and expressions may indicate a positive or negative connotation or meaning. Does the author use words with more negative connotations when referring to one side of an issue or topic? Does the author use words with more positive connotations when referring to one side of an issue or topic? These connotations are clue to what or to whom the author may be biased for or against. Positive Connotation The newly-opened restaurant served us chicken with a crispy breading. Negative Connotation The newly-opened restaurant served us chicken with a dry breading. Evidences can be in the form of facts and information, testimonies, and direct observations, scientific and legal findings, anecdotes, and philosophical evidences. Does the author present more positive evidence for one side of an issue than the other? Does the author present more negative evidence for one side of an issue than the other? To recognize bias, one must consider the following: STEPS IN RECOGNIZING BIAS FROM A TEXT Look for loaded words and phrases. Words that are charged with emotion, whether positive or negative, can reveal an author’s opinion about a topic. Reading for pleasure is a waste of time. People who spend hours on reading don’t get to live in the real world. They don’t really learn anything that is useful about dealing with everyday people and problems. Plus, teachers always make us read texts that are boring. From this example, which words and phrases are charged with emotions? Reading for pleasure is a waste of time. People who spend hours on reading don’t get to live in the real world. They don’t really learn anything that is useful about dealing with everyday people and problems. Plus, teachers always make us read texts that are boring. Exactly, words and phrases such as… give you an idea about the author’s take on the topic. These imply the author’s bias. Let’s go back to the text, what is the topic? Reading for pleasure is a waste of time. People who spend hours on reading don’t get to live in the real world. They don’t really learn anything that is useful about dealing with everyday people and problems. Plus, teachers always make us read texts that are boring. Correct! It is about reading for pleasure. What is the author’s bias on the topic? Is it for or against? BIAS AGAINST BIAS FOR Correct! The author is biased against Reading for pleasure. Watch out for Stereotypes. A stereotype is an overgeneralized belief about a particular group of people. If the author labels an entire group, the writing is probably biased. Women are better than men in so many ways. Whether at home or at work, women always excel. In fact, there is almost nothing that women cannot do better than men On what stereotype, does the author show bias? Women are better than men in so many ways. Whether at home or at work, women always excel. In fact, there is almost nothing that women cannot do better than men That is right! The author believes that Women are better than men in so many ways. Let’s take a closer look at this text. What is it about? Women are better than men in so many ways. Whether at home or at work, women always excel. In fact, there is almost nothing that women cannot do better than men Excellent! It is about women. What is the author’s bias on the topic? Is it for or against? BIAS FOR BIAS AGAINST Exactly! The author is biased for the idea which claims that women are better than men. Notice unclear language or generalization. This happens if the author isn’t using specific language or words. Online learning has many benefits. Learners who have gadgets with internet access learn better than learners who only use modules. The internet is expensive though. Did the author show an unclear generalization? Yes, I agree. The author failed to provide direct and specific arguments leading to vague and confusing generalizations. Let us check the text again, what is it all about? Online learning has many benefits. Learners who have gadgets with internet access learn better than learners who only use modules. The internet is expensive though. Very good! It is about online learning. What is the author’s bias on the topic? Is it for or against? BIAS FOR BIAS AGAINST Great job. The author is biased for online learning. Be on the lookout for one-sided arguments. If the author presents one side of the argument. Many Filipinos disagree with DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones on the opening of classes on October 5. They claim that the lives of everyone will be placed at risk once classes resume. Because of the threat of Covid-19 virus, many people are protesting to further postpone the opening of classes. Did the author present a one-sided argument? Yes. You are correct. The author’s argument on the topic is one-sided. The author failed to present the other side of the story by excluding the DepEd Secretary’s side regarding the issue. One more time, let’s check the text. What is it all about? Many Filipinos disagree with DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones on the opening of classes on October 5. They claim that the lives of everyone will be placed at risk once classes resume. Because of the threat of Covid-19 virus, many people are protesting to further postpone the opening of classes. Correct. It is about the opening of classes on October 5. What is the author’s bias on this topic? Is it for or against the opening of classes on October 5? BIAS FOR BIAS AGAINST Incredible job! The author is against the opening of classes on October 5. Does the author present facts or opinions? Facts are something that is known or proved to be true. But opinions can be based on feelings, emotions, or prejudices, which aren’t objective. Most parents tell their children that engaging in romantic relationships can ruin their studies. As for me, based on my experience, being in a relationship provides inspiration to graduate. The feelings of excitement, love, and motivation make me believe that it is okay to be in a relationship while studying. What does the author use on this text? Definitely, it is an opinion. The author shows bias according to his/her opinions and feelings. What words or phrases did the author use to show his/her opinions? Most parents tell their children that engaging in romantic relationships can ruin their studies. As for me, based on my experience, being in a relationship provides inspiration to graduate. The feelings of excitement, love, and motivation make me believe that it is okay to be in a relationship while studying. Going back to the text, what is this about? Most parents tell their children that engaging in romantic relationships can ruin their studies. As for me, based on my experience, being in a relationship provides inspiration to graduate. The feelings of excitement, love, and motivation make me believe that it is okay to be in a relationship while studying. Yes, it is about engaging in a romantic relationship. What is the author’s bias on this topic? Is it for or against? BIAS FOR BIAS AGAINST Precisely. The author is in favor of engaging in a romantic relationship while studying. How about you? Do you agree with the author? Is it okay to have boyfriend or girlfriend while studying? Practice Task: LIGHT READING: Read each statement and identify whether it contain loaded words, stereotypes, opinion, generalization, or one-sided argument. Put a check mark under the correct answer. Statement Developing mastery For me, most beautiful of all contestants is my cousin. Considered by many as “man’s best friend, dogs are loyal. Susan’s childhood memories were terrific. It contributed much to her optimistic personality People with tattoos are troublemakers and ex-convicts. Children under 12 should not be allowed to stay home alone. without parents' Loaded Words Stereo types Generalization Onesided argument Opinion care, children can cause a lot of problems. Children who are under 12 can't look after themselves well. Read each text Carefully and answer The questions that Follow. What is the Catriona bias for? What is she bias against? T marij The rec What words or phrases indicate the author’s bias? What is the author biased about? Is he for or against the issue or topic? Group Work (15 minutes): Divide the class into groups. Ask them to pick their favorite between the given options, then write their reasons for choosing that in 3-5 sentences. Write the paragraph in a cartolina to be presented in a class later. Group Group Group Group Group 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: Basketball or Volleyball? Singing or Dancing? English or Math? Beach or Mountain? Modular or Face-to face Classes? The other groups will examine the biases made by the other groups. BIAS DETECTIVE Examine the following statements made by the 2022 presidential aspirants. Distinguish whether the author/speaker is bias for or bias against the topic or issue. Finding Practical application of concepts and skills in daily living? 1.Senator Ping Lacson is bias for mining. 2. Mayor Isko Moreno is bias against abortion. 3. VP Leni Robredo is bias for the ICCs War on drugs investigation. 4. Senator Bongbong Marcos is bias against the tightening of the Constitution’s presidential qualifications 5. Senator Manny Pacquiao is bias against same-sex marriage Did our lesson about Examining biases, for or against, made by the author teach you something? What have you learned today? Today, I learned that _______________________________. To recognize bias in a text ___________________________. Making generalizations and abstractions about the lesson Ultimately, the ability to detect, and be able to examine author’s biases is an important skill, not only in our academic, but also in our everyday lives. It is a must that we need to examine biases presented in the information given to us. In this manner, we can be critical and active readers that are able to discern and evaluate messages. ASSESSMENT: I. Multiple Choice: Analyze the questions carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a sheet of paper. 1. This refers to an author’s expression of his/her own opinion on a particular issue without examining and presenting enough evidences. a. Bias b. objective c. subjective d. judgement 2. Below are true about bias, except: a. Presenting both sides of the issue b. Telling only a part of the issue at hand c. Putting an unfair, one-sided opinion d. Being subjective, as opposed to being objective Evaluating learning 3. Why do we need to be aware of the author’ bias? a. It’s because it may lead us to the wrong conclusion. b. It’s because it may give us information. c. It’s because it may change our way of thinking. d. It’s because it may direct us to error. 4. Which of the following situations shows that an author has a bias? a. The writer provides an impartial view about a particular issue. b. The writer does not generalize about a certain group based on his/her opinions c. The writer presents more positive evidence of an issue he/she favors d. The writer shows no favoritism or prejudice about an issue he/she is writing about. 5. Which is the best example of prejudice or bias? a. The owner of a company evaluates all potential employees exclusively by their professional qualifications. b. The exaggerated and oversimplified belief that some lawyers are dishonest. c. A man from Asia does not like Americans because he thinks that they drink irresponsibly. d. A woman believes it will rain because she sees so many grey clouds in the sky. 6. Buying a brand-new cellphone is a waste of money. Which of the words in the statement show bias? a. Brand new b. buying c. money d. waste 7. “To have a Covid-19 vaccine before the opening of classes is unbelievable.” Which of the words make the sentence biased? a. Before b. opening c. unbelievable d. vaccine 8. Which expresses bias? a. The earth rotates around its axis. b. Jose Rizal is our country’s national hero. c. Putting rubbing alcohol is the best way to kill bacteria and virus. d. Covid-19 is an infection caused by a new strain of coronavirus. 9. Everyone who cooks should own a food processor. This marvelous invention is now being used by over 12 million vegetarians, compared with only half that number a couple years ago. Vegetarians rarely have a weight problem since most vegetables are low in calories and contain a little or no fat. They do not suffer a build-up of cholesterol in the bloodstream as they grow older. Some doctors have suggested a link between vegetarianism and longevity. As people become more health-conscious, vegetarianism will certainly become popular. What does the author show bias for? a. Eating more vegetables b. Avoiding cholesterol c. Eating “healthy foods” d. Becoming a vegetarian 10. Citizens of the Harrison Park area look with alarm at the diabolical plot to change a beautiful spot into a baseball park. If this malicious plan is carried out, the lovely trees in the park will be chopped down. Values of the property within the area will drop sharply as the park fills with the filth and debris of the bulldozers and other equipment. Obviously, no one cares about the poor citizen who slaved to pay for his home and to keep up with his taxes. In this passage, the author shows bias against______? a. Homeowners and taxpayers b. Citizens of the Harrison Park c. A baseball field in the park d. More trees in the park II. Pick Me! Pick out the words or expressions that make the sentence biased. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. 11. Women are very sensitive compared to men. 12. By giving financial assistance to his people, the governor is a hero to his constituents. 13. Love is the most powerful force that spins the earth. 14. Marrying at an early age is a disgrace. 15. Men are better drivers than women. III. For or Against Based on the given paragraphs, identify the idea which the author favors. Write the word FOR under the topic if the author is biased towards it. If not, Write against. 16. Topic: Dog vs Cat Dogs and cats are the commonly domesticated animals. However, dogs are a better choice for they are fun to play with and they can be trained as service dogs to help humans. Cats, on the contrary, can only serve as a house pet. Dog Cat 17. Topic: Soda vs Juice I like soda better than juice. I prefer soda because it is not too sweet unlike juice. Though juice tastes good, soda has this acidity that make you Soda Juice burp. 18. Topic: Phase out jeepneys vs Retain jeepneys Jeepneys have been one of the main modes of transport in the Philippines. They are also the livelihood source of many Filipinos. However, they often cause road congestion and traffic jams. Also, they are obsolete that may compromise the safety of the passengers, and may pose a threat to the environment. As such, these jeepneys do not meet the standard of modernization and phasing them out appease to be a much better Phase out Retain choice. Jeepneys Jeepneys 19-20. Fill in the shapes with words or phrases that relate to the word “bias”. BIAS HOMEWORK: Read the text below. Then, examine biases made by the author on the topic by completing the paragraph below. Additional activities for application or remediation I find the article entitled __________________________ biased because the author used words that are ____________________. These words are _____________ ______________________________________________.
