What Is a Bias in Writing?

Bias in writing occurs when an author presents information in a way that favours one side over another, often influencing the reader’s opinion. Understanding this concept is a crucial part of developing critical literacy skills in upper primary students.

This bias in writing worksheet pack is a ready-to-use resource that breaks down the concept of bias in an age-appropriate and accessible way. Through a variety of structured activities, students will learn how to:

• Determine if a sentence is a fact, an opinion or a biased opinion.
• Identify whether paragraphs are objective or biased.
• Transform subjective sentences into objective sentences.
• Compare the language and tone of biased and unbalanced paragraphs.
• Rewrite paragraphs to remove the bias.

This resource downloads as a black-and-white PDF or editable Google Slides file. The download also includes an answer key to make marking the worksheets fast and easy. 

Exploring Examples of Bias in Writing: Why It Matters

In an age where ‘fake news’ is at its peak, it’s more important than ever that students possess the know-how to identify bias in writing. In today’s world, children are constantly exposed to information from many sources, and not all of these sources are neutral or objective. By learning to recognise bias, students can:

• Actively question what they read, instead of accepting it at face value.
• Consider multiple perspectives before forming opinions.
• Develop media literacy by becoming savvy, sceptical media consumers.
• Write more fairly and objectively by avoiding unfair language.

Ultimately, teaching students to identify bias builds their analytical thinking, supports respectful discussion and prepares them for a lifetime of thoughtful reading and communication.

Download This Bias in Writing Worksheet Pack

Use the Download button above to access your preferred version of this resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

As this resource contains answers, you may wish to print one copy only, then remove the answer sheet before making further copies.

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing this worksheet pack double-sided.

This resource was created by Brittany Collins, a teacher and Teach Starter collaborator.

Resources to Complement This Bias in Writing Activity

Are you looking for more bias in writing activities to complement this resource? Click below for a great sample chosen by our team.

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Objective and Subjective Language Worksheet

Use this objective and subjective language worksheet to help students distinguish between facts and opinions.

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Objective and Subjective Language Digital Quiz

Spark deeper thinking about objective and subjective language with this interactive digital quiz that helps students distinguish between fact, opinion and biased opinion in real-world texts.

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Analysing Persuasive Devices Worksheets

Get students analysing persuasive techniques and their effects on audiences with this set of three texts with accompanying questions.