1. Assumptions and Biases for Text-Based Examination
Dr. Kirsten Ogden
English Composition

2. What is an assumption?
Assumptions are ideas and beliefs that are often taken for “truth”
Assumptions are usually based on personal experiences and/or exposure to information, but often the support isn’t grounded in a wealth of exposure to different materials and research

3. What informs Assumptions?
Assumptions are often based on a wealth of criteria that include the following:
Gender
Race
Ethnicity
Education
Nation
Region
Sexual Orientation
Religion
Economic Status

4. Critically Analyzing Your Own Assumptions
Assumptions are ideas and systems of belief that we take for granted without deeply questioning or thinking about them.
What “truths” “personal beliefs” “assumptions” can you list and identify for yourself?

5. Examples of Assumptions: Pit Bulls are dangerous dogs
This assumption is not a fact.

6. Examples of Assumptions: Rappers are violent drug-users.
This is not a fact.

7. Don’t think too hard about them. . . YET
LIST YOUR ASSUMPTIONS
Don’t think too hard about them. . . YET

8. Why is it important to examine our own assumptions?
Assumptions are the prism through which we view the world
We are “drawn to” or “expelled by” things that align with our assumptions, beliefs and values
If we don’t examine our own assumptions, we can’t become good critical thinkers, critical readers, or exceptional writers

9. Why is it important to examine the assumptions of texts we read?
Known the assumptions an author brings to a text will help us to question the text and to more thoroughly critically examine the text.
We can make a qualified, educated judgment about the usefulness (to us) of the text and its contribution to an area of thought only after we have thoroughly examined it

10. Why is it important to examine the assumptions of texts we read?
Known the assumptions an author brings to a text will help us to question the text and to more thoroughly critically examine the text.
We can make a qualified, educated judgment about the usefulness (to us) of the text and its contribution to an area of thought only after we have thoroughly examined it

11. What if we discover bias? What then?
We can still consider the material, but in context with other materials.
Weigh the information against other sources for a well-rounded point of view.
(Do this for your own assumptions too!)

12. Exercise: Read and examine the assumptions in a given text
Exercise: Read and examine the assumptions in a given text. Notice how the writer manipulates the reader, or builds a discussion based on personal assumptions and biases. OBSERVE the author’s purpose.