Question

Have you ever tried to teach a class full of restless, active sixth-graders? I have. I taught sixth-grade students for 12 years. For that reason, I was shocked to learn that the average class size at Harbor
Elementary School is 32. The National Education Association recommends a class size of 23. In my
view, Harbor Elementary should hire at least five more teachers. Teachers are already overworked
and underpaid. Large classes make teaching young children nearly impossible for most teachers.
Sincerely,
Elsie Lovelace
1. List the facts that Ms. Lovelace states in her letter.
2. What is Elsie Lovelace's opinion about working conditions for teachers?
3. What bias does Elsie show in her letter?

Answer 1

Answer:

Facts used in the letter:

• She has taught sixth-grade students for 12 years.
• Average class size at Harbor Elementary School is 32.
• The National Education Association recommends a class size of 23.

Opinion:

She opines that teachers are overworked and underpaid.

Bias:

Elsie Lovelace, herself being a teacher, has a bias in favor of teachers when she says that teachers are already overworked and underpaid. She also shows her bias when she mentions difficult working conditions for teachers i.e. a class full of restless active sixth-graders.

Explanation:

This excerpt from a letter is mix of emotions (overworked, underpaid, nearly impossible for most teachers), some facts (experience of 12 years, average class size, recommended class size), and some biases in favor of teachers (overworked, underpaid, restless active sixth-graders).

Her view or appeal to hire more teachers makes an appeal to audience's logical reasoning and emotions.