Question

aluating a Source for Bias
This example blog entry was posted to healthyrecommendations.blogspot.com in 2020.

Everyone knows that drinking ample water is vital for a healthy lifestyle. But how much of this precious substance must you consume?

The USDA says the amount of water you need depends on different things, such as how much you exercise. This esteemed organization says you should make sure to get enough water, but even they stress that you probably don’t need to worry about drinking too much water. The USDA’s website links to Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) tables that you can reference to help you plan how much water to drink.

But when it comes to this life-giving liquid, we say, the more the better.

–“Water Recommendations for Healthy Living,”
Jamal Danielson

Which examples of bias does this excerpt show? Check all that apply.

one-sided diction
lack of evidence
emotional appeals
unverifiable information
a bold assertion about all people

Answer 1

All five apply.

- One-sided diction — words like “precious” and “life-giving” and the phrase “the more the better” use loaded, one-sided language.
- Lack of evidence — the author makes claims (especially that more water is better) without supporting data or sources.
- Emotional appeals — the language aims to stir positive feelings about water rather than provide reasoned argument.
- Unverifiable information — “Everyone knows…” is an uncheckable generalization and presented without proof.
- A bold assertion about all people — “Everyone knows that drinking ample water is vital” is a blanket claim about everyone.