Question

Corn is also a common source of food for livestock. Many farmers are now struggling to feed their herds of cows, chickens, and pigs. The increased cost of feeding their animals has forced many farmers to reduce the size of their herds, decreasing the supply of meat available to consumers. Shoppers are certain to see the prices of beef, chicken, and pork increase if corn prices continue to skyrocket. Unfortunately, hardworking farmers and ranchers see very little profits from this increase in price. In addition, opponents of ethanol note that government subsidies cost American taxpayers more money. State and federal government subsidy programs offer tax credits to gas stations for each gallon of ethanol they mix in with the gasoline they sell. Government programs also supply companies that produce ethanol with corn! Where does the government get the money for these subsidies? Money for these projects comes from our—the taxpayers’—pockets. Ethanol has some benefits. However, overenthusiastic supporters should consider all sides of the issue before taking actions that are already putting America’s economy in a precarious position. Ethanol is not the answer to our economic and environmental problems.
Which statement from the passage shows author bias?
A) Corn is also a common source of food for livestock.
B) "Unfortunately, hardworking farmers and ranchers see very little profits from this increase in price."
C) State and federal government subsidy programs offer tax credits to gas stations for each gallon of ethanol they mix in with the gasoline they sell.
D) However, overenthusiastic supporters should consider all sides of the issue before taking actions that are already putting America's economy in a precarious position.

Answer 1

I think the answer is D, because the author says the supporters are overenthusiastic and states another opinion that they'll put American economy in a bad position. 

Answer 2

The statement from the passage which shows author bias is the following one:

D) However, overenthusiastic supporters should consider all sides of the issue before taking actions that are already putting America's economy in a precarious position.

It shows bias, since the author sounds like he is criticizing the supporters for acting the way they do. The word choice here also indicates bias: "overenthusiastic", "should". The first is a sure sign that the author does not think their enthusiasm is appropriate; the latter shows the author expressing his opinion or giving a strong recommendation (which is actually pure criticism) as to what those supporters are supposed to do. The author does not sound neutral at all. In fact, he states clearly that he does not agree with the supporters : "...taking actions that are already putting America's economy in a precarious position."