Viewpoint, Bias, and Slant

A writer’s viewpoint is often based on his or her personal likes or dislikes. This is the writer’s bias, or preference. Slant is another word for bias. For example, a writer’s preference for a particular political party may bias his or her view of a political issue. We can determine a writer’s bias by considering a writer’s choice of words and phrases.

Having a personal preference is not right or wrong; it simply indicates the perspective from which the writer is writing. The reader is free to agree or disagree. Recognizing a writer’s bias may help you decide whether or not to agree with the writer’s viewpoint, but it shouldn't be the only factor is the writer presents compelling evidence.