Which skill describes identifying a writer's stance or bias?

• A. Calculating statistics.
• B. Identifying stance or bias.
• C. Writing a narrative.
• D. Memorizing dates.

Answer: (B)

Recognizing a writer's stance or bias is about analyzing how the author positions themselves in a text and what perspective or preferences shape what’s included or emphasized. This skill helps you see why certain details are highlighted, why evidence is framed in a particular way, and whether the writing aims to persuade from a specific point of view or to present information more impartially. Understanding stance and bias is essential for evaluating credibility and for reading critically.

Calculating statistics involves numbers and data analysis, not detecting a writer's position. Writing a narrative is about creating a story with events and characters, not about analyzing the author's viewpoint. Memorizing dates is simply recalling facts, not assessing how the writer thinks or biases the presentation.