When two passages present opposing viewpoints, what is a key method to compare them fairly?

• A. Compare only the length of each passage
• B. Compare the authors' ages
• C. Compare the publication dates
• D. Compare the evidence, reasoning, and bias in each

Answer: (D)

When two passages present opposing viewpoints, the best way to compare them fairly is to examine the evidence each side uses, the logic connecting that evidence to the conclusion, and any biases or assumptions shaping the argument. Start by identifying the main claim of each passage and the support offered. Look at the quality and relevance of the evidence: is it up-to-date data, representative studies, credible sources, and enough examples or statistics to back the claim? Check the reasoning: do the conclusions follow from the premises, or are there leaps in logic, ignored factors, or overgeneralizations? Detect bias: does the author rely on loaded language, selectively cite sources, or omit credible counterexamples? Consider counterarguments: does each passage acknowledge and respond to plausible opposing views, or does it ignore them? Finally, weigh the overall credibility by balancing the strength of the evidence against potential bias and the soundness of the reasoning.

Length, author age, or publication date don’t reliably indicate fairness or truth. Length doesn’t reflect depth, age isn’t a measure of credibility, and publication date might affect relevance but not the quality of the argument.