Point of View and Bias Practice Test

Scenario—Literary Critique. In a review of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, critic Tomás Ibarra—known for praising brisk, plot-driven novels—argues that the book’s “endless moralizing” is “a fog that smothers genuine drama.” He concedes that Shelley’s imagery is “occasionally luminous,” but insists the narrative is “needlessly circuitous,” citing long letters and reflective passages as “self-indulgent detours.” He quotes a single action scene at length while summarizing philosophical sections in a sentence. Anticipating objections, he admits that “some readers treasure the ethical inquiry,” yet he calls such appreciation “a cultivated habit, not an honest pleasure.” Question: What evidence in the passage suggests the author’s viewpoint is biased?

Scenario—Current Event Commentary. A campus editorial on standardized testing is written by Marisol Chen, who runs a test-prep club. She argues that removing entrance exams is “a feel-good gesture that dilutes merit,” and she cites a study showing first-year GPA correlates modestly with test scores. Yet she ignores the same study’s note that correlation weakens after controlling for income. She acknowledges a counterargument about unequal access to tutoring, but calls it “a solvable inconvenience,” recommending “community-sponsored coaching” without addressing funding. Question: Which phrase indicates the author’s stance on the issue?