Featured Resource
Author
Patricia
Subject
Literature
Difficulty
8th Grade
Define bias simply → Bias is when someone shows they like or dislike something in an unfair way. The decision is usually made in favor of one thing over the other not based on fact but on preference. Inform students how bias is presented in narratives: Character Bias: When a character’s personal opinions, feelings, or background cause them to see events in a certain way. Narrator Bias (Point of View Bias): When the narrator shows favoritism or prejudice in how they tell the story.
This resource focuses on exploring the concepts of bias within narratives in literature, particularly aimed at 8th-grade students. It defines bias as an unfair preference and distinguishes between two types: character bias and narrator bias. Character bias arises from a character's personal opinions and backgrounds, affecting their perspective on events. For instance, Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" showcases a bias towards justice. Narrator bias, on the other hand, involves the storyteller’s favoritism, which can shape the reader’s view of the events and characters. Examples from literature, such as "Animal Farm" and "To Kill a Mockingbird," illustrate these biases. Exercises encourage students to identify bias in excerpts and reflect on how recognizing bias enhances their understanding of stories and real-world information.