MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What defines the credibility of a text?

1. The author's popularity

2. The author's subjective viewpoint

3. The author's knowledge and objectivity

4. The text's length and complexity

The correct answer is: The author's knowledge and objectivity

The credibility of a text is fundamentally linked to the author's knowledge and objectivity. When an author demonstrates expertise in a subject area, it indicates that they possess a deep understanding of the material, which enhances the reliability of the information provided. This knowledge can come from education, experience, or extensive research, all of which contribute to the text's authority. Objectivity is also crucial because it implies that the author presents information fairly and without bias. A text that includes a balanced perspective can be more trusted, as it allows readers to see multiple sides of an argument or issue. When an author presents information objectively, it helps to build the text's credibility because readers can feel confident they are receiving accurate and trustworthy information rather than slanted or biased opinions. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of credibility. Popularity may contribute to an author's visibility, but it does not necessarily reflect the quality or truthfulness of their work. A subjective viewpoint can introduce bias, which diminishes trustworthiness, while the length and complexity of a text do not correlate with its credibility; a short, straightforward text can be more credible than a long, convoluted one if it is well-researched and presented. Thus, the combination of the author's knowledge