Reading Informational Text Unit Test

Question

15 of 1515 of 15 Items

Feature
Question
Use the passage to complete the activity.

Why Is the News Sometimes Controversial?

Reporters gather facts and write about them—so why do some people say the news is unreliable? They are worried that news stories might be biased.

Bias is an unfair representation of something or someone. It can happen when only one side of a story is presented, when only certain facts are shared, or when news organizations choose which stories they want to publish. Readers sometimes worry that news organizations, intentionally or accidentally, publish biased stories.

News organizations try to avoid bias as much as they can. They hire trained reporters who know how to ask good questions about all sides of a story. They also employ many different editors to double-check all of the facts cited in the articles.

Readers of the news can take their own steps to avoid possible bias in the news they read. They can read news from multiple sources, or they can look up facts on their own to make sure the news matches other websites and records. It is impossible to avoid bias completely, but news writers and news readers can still do a lot to make sure the information they share and read is accurate.

In 3–5 sentences, identify and explain an inference you made about news media based on the passage. Support your answer with text evidence from the passage.

(4 points)
 
Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

3
The answer is mostly clear.

The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.

There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

2
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is not clear.

There are few or no supporting details.

There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

0 The question is not answered.
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For a 6th grader

Answer 1

Based on the passage, I can infer that news media plays a critical role in society, but biases can distort the information presented to the public. The passage states, "Bias is an unfair representation of something or someone," which highlights that when news is biased, it could impact how people understand important issues. Additionally, the text mentions that "Readers of the news can take their own steps to avoid possible bias," suggesting that it is essential for individuals to actively seek out accurate information and consider multiple perspectives to get a well-rounded view of the news. This implies that while news organizations strive for accuracy, it is also the responsibility of readers to be vigilant and discerning consumers of news.