Question 1: Identify two phrases in the article that show a positive bias toward the city's transportation efforts.

Answer: Supporters praise the initiative; the report highlights success stories.

Question 2: What language technique is used when the report 'leans toward highlighting success stories while minimizing ongoing issues'?

Answer: Biased tone or bias language

Question 3: Describe how the author presents the critics' perspective. Provide evidence from the text.

Answer: The critics' perspective is presented with words like 'argue' and 'concerns,' showing skepticism. Evidence includes the phrase 'critics, however, argue that the data is overly optimistic.'

Question 4: Identify and explain the use of any two language techniques in the article that influence the tone.

Answer: Use of words like 'dramatically' and 'overly optimistic' to emphasize the positive and negative perspectives, respectively.

Question 5: Which words or phrases suggest the author's positive bias toward the city's new transportation plan?

Answer: Positively biased phrases include 'dramatically reduced' and 'major step forward.'

Question 6: Identify one example of neutral language used in the article and explain its effect.

Answer: The phrase 'supporters praise the initiative' is neutral, presenting both sides without bias, allowing readers to interpret the information.

Question 7: What strategies does the author use to present a balanced view of the controversy? List two.

Answer: Including perspectives from both supporters and critics, and using phrases that show bias and neutrality.

Question 8: Based on the article, write a brief paragraph explaining how bias can influence a reader’s perception of news stories.

Answer: Bias in news stories can shape how readers perceive the events or issues by emphasizing certain viewpoints while downplaying others. Positive bias can make a policy seem more successful, while negative bias can raise doubts or skepticism. Recognizing bias helps readers to critically evaluate the information and form their own opinions based on balanced understanding.