Language Bias - The problem with waste (L2 assessment tasks)

This pack contains four reading texts, reading comprehension questions, writing tasks and several discussion and presentation ideas/prompts. 

The first two, very short, texts form part of an introductory discussion and reading session to explore biased language. The same event (teenagers in a park) is written about in a blog and in a newspaper article. Both use biased language to present a particular viewpoint.

The second set of texts (A and B) discuss the use of  biased language around the topic of water and energy waste. Originally written as a mock L2 Functional English assessment (i.e. reading, writing, discussion, presentation) but can be split, adapted and used as required. 

Text A 'Waste Not Want Not' talks about waste and the misuse of resources. Text B 'Water and Energy Waste - a balanced view of Language' is a response to Text A based on the ‘scientific’ use of the specific word ‘waste’. An optional poster is available to accompany Text A. 

I found that the learners really enjoyed the challenging conversations and ideas presented in these tasks, particularly picking apart the differences in language and its impact on the audience. I hope yours do too. 

Editor's notes

A thought-provoking, challenging and highly topical resource that would also be useful for GCSE and T Levels. The 30+ reading questions include both multiple choice and open questions. In addition to bias and language, they cover vocabulary, fact-opinion, tone, comparing texts, summarising, etc. Writing task include a formal letter and an article. I love that Text B is itself about the use of language bias. Very clever. ✅✅✅