Reading: Author's Tone, Purpose & Attitude
B2 Lesson 1: Stance, Bias & Underlying Assumptions
Before You Read: Thinking Critically 🧠
Key Analytical Vocabulary
Understanding these terms is essential for analyzing what you read.
Key Concepts for Critical Reading
A critical reader analyzes a text to understand the writer's mind. Let's look at the tools you need.
This is the author's main viewpoint. To find it, ask yourself: "Overall, is the author FOR or AGAINST this topic?"
Bias means unfairly favoring one side. Look for emotionally loaded words (connotation) and check if the author ignores opposing viewpoints.
This is a belief the author accepts as true without proof. Ask yourself: "What must the author believe to make this argument?"
Example Opinion Piece
Let's analyze this short article about a proposed development project in Kampot.
Progress or Problem? The Proposed Riverfront Modernization
Kampot's riverside has long been admired for its sleepy, rustic charm. However, a new proposal aims to dramatically alter this landscape. The plan includes building a massive, concrete promenade, replacing the natural grassy banks, and allowing large, modern cafes to replace the small, family-run drink stalls. Proponents of the plan claim this "beautification" project will attract more high-spending tourists.
While proponents talk about progress, they conveniently ignore the inevitable consequences. Such a sterile, concrete development will destroy the very soul of what makes Kampot special. The charming, family-run stalls will be replaced by overpriced, generic coffee chains. Furthermore, this enormous project threatens the delicate river ecosystem. Surely, we can see that this is not development; it is the destruction of our heritage for the sake of a quick profit. We must oppose this plan to protect the real Kampot.
Guided Analysis
- What is the author's STANCE?
The author is clearly against the modernization project. - How does the author show BIAS through word choice?
They use positive words for the current situation (sleepy, charming, rustic) and negative, emotionally loaded words for the project (massive, sterile, overpriced, destruction). This shows they are not neutral. - What is the author's UNDERLYING ASSUMPTION?
The author assumes that preserving the current "natural" and "rustic" charm is more valuable than the potential economic benefits of modernization. This is the foundation of their argument.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Analyze the Opposite Viewpoint
Read this short text, which argues from the other side.
"It's time for Kampot to embrace the future. For too long, the riverfront has been undeveloped and, in some places, unsafe, with poor lighting and broken paths. A modern, clean promenade will create a wonderful, safe space for families to gather and will boost the local economy significantly. Critics who want to cling to an imagined past are holding back real progress for the people who live and work here."
1. What is this author's stance on the development project?
- A. Against it
- B. For it
- C. Neutral
→ Answer: B. For it.
2. Which word choice shows a negative bias towards the current situation?
- A. modern
- B. boost
- C. broken
→ Answer: C. "broken". The words "undeveloped," "unsafe," and "broken" are used to create a negative impression of the current riverfront.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- Stance The author's specific position or viewpoint on an issue.
- Bias Presenting information in a one-sided or unfair way that favors a particular viewpoint.
- Underlying Assumption A belief the author accepts as true to form their argument, but does not state directly.
- Connotation The positive or negative feeling a word suggests beyond its dictionary meaning.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Be a Critical Reader!
Find an opinion or editorial article in English online (not a straight news report). Choose a topic you find interesting.
- Read the article and identify the author's overall stance.
- Find and write down two examples of biased word choice.
- In your own words, what do you think is the main underlying assumption of the author's argument?