Question

In your local newspaper, you read an editorial supporting a local building initiative that will cost the town millions of dollars. After reading the article, you discover that the author has 20 years of experience in construction and owns a local construction company. What should you consider about the author’s point of view? A.that she may be unaware of the town’s deficit B.that she may not have knowledge of the building site C.that she may be losing money on the building project D.that she may profit from the building project

Answer 1

You should consider that the author may be profiting from the building project and therefore her views may be subjected and biased, which is definitely common in editorial pieces.

Answer 2

D. that she may profit from the building project

Look at the evidence within the question information. The author has 20 years of experience in construction and owns a local construction company. So if the city or town is considering a building initiative that will cost the town millions of dollars, the author of the editorial quite possibly hopes to bid for some of that construction work. It would be very good for her business.

Now, the fact that a construction company owner favors the building initiative doesn't mean her views should be rejected simply because of her position in the construction industry. If her views are valid and provide solid arguments in favor of the project, those views should be considered on their merits. At the same time, perspectives from other local citizens should be considered too, in terms of environmental impact of the project, costs and affordability, how the building initiative will benefit residents of the community, etc.