Biased writing is similar to slanted writing. Neither gives a full and objective account of the facts and details. Biased writing contains more of the writer’s opinions rather than facts and details. Biased and slanted writing may be found anywhere. Letters to the editor, editorials, and advertisements commonly have slanted or biased writing. It is important to know who wrote an article and why the person wrote the article.

Biased and slanted writing uses language that stirs the emotions of the reader rather than encouraging the reader to think. For example, a writer might write an article about a new car for a car magazine. Compare the following sentence.

“The plastic used in the interior of the car fades over several years.”

“The junk used in the interior of the car fades over several years.”

or

“The steel used in the frames of the car add strength.”

“The space-age metal used in the frames of the car add strength.”

The words junk and plastic refer to the same type of material. However, the word junk also has a negative meaning. It expresses an emotional judgment about the material. Similarly, the words steel and space-age metal, refer to the same material. The words wonder metal have a positive emotional meaning.

These words can be placed in one of two categories. Words like plastic and steel have one meaning. They are denotive. Their meaning is clear and direct. Words such as junk and space-age metal are connotative. The have an emotional meaning as well as their basic meaning. Propaganda, persuasive writing intended to make people think, act or feel a certain way to control them, often uses connotative language.