Generalizations and Biases

Today's Scripture

• Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Review

• Kahoot game for Thesis Statement

The most common type of errors for writers is using generalizations and biases

Generalizations

• directly or indirectly state a claim that implies that “everyone” in that category falls into that claim

Incorrect:
Kids who are spoiled grow up to be lazy.

Correct:
Many kids who are spoiled grow up to be lazy.

Also correct:
Often kids who are spoiled grow up to be lazy.

adding the word many or the often, the sentence is now qualified rather than implying that all kids are this way

Incorrect: All men need to learn how to better communicate.

Correct: Many men need to learn how to better communicate.

Incorrect:
Women enjoy talking.

Correct:
Most women enjoy talking

Incorrect:
Americans need to recycle.
Correct:
In almost all instances, Americans should recycle on a regular basis.

For generalizations and bias -correct them with qualifiers, or rewrite those sentences.

General Specific tone

Batman Returns is a horrible movie.

Statement is overly negative, a generalization, and unspecific.

Correct tone

Batman Returns lacks effective acting, editing, and plot; therefore, it is not a strong movie

Bias

• The writer allows his or her personal opinions/views to cloud language or arguments
• Look for words or sentences that seep into personal emotion, or where sources are from biased sources

For example

the word mankind attempts to refer to all humans

humankind, the human race, and humanity are less gender-biased options

Overall, these are some things to think about when detecting Generalizations and Bias!

Group Activity
View the website noted here: https://www.naturalchild.org/articles/guest/john_breeding.html.

1. What indications do you have that the site is biased or not biased?
2. List three things that appear to make this site biased or unbiased.
3. Finally, based on the criteria you have been learning about websites, do you believe this site is true and honest, or does it have an agenda?
4. How might you address bias in your evaluation essay?

Brainstorm/Prepare Objectives

• Choose a website from the list
• Do a close reading or review of the website
• Examine the 5 criteria against the website
• Chose 3 of the 5 criteria that are most important to you

Introduction Paragraph

• Hook is the bit of perhaps previously unknown knowledge provided in the first sentence of the introduction-Use a quote
• Background information-summarize the website in 3-5 sentences
• Thesis statement completes the intro