Compare Objective and Subjective Texts

Non-fiction texts can be objective or subjective.

An objective text is neutral. The author states facts but does not give opinions or try to persuade readers to believe his or her point of view.

A subjective text is written from a particular point of view and the author uses many devices to try to persuade readers that his or her point of view is correct.

Advertisements are an obvious example of a persuasive text, but letters and newspaper articles can also be subjective.

Read the following texts and then answer the questions. Remember that you can look back at the introduction as often as you like by clicking on the red help button.

Text A

The Government has put forward a proposal for a new airport in the south of England. It is expected to ease the congestion at other London airports. In order to construct the airport, the compulsory purchase of properties and land will be necessary and certain roads will need to be re-routed. Many local jobs will be created by the development.

Text B

How much is the new airport going to cost you? Hundreds of homeowners will lose their properties! Whole villages will be destroyed by the developers' demolition ball! Countless fields of fertile farmland are to be concreted over! And, sadly, our thirteenth century church is to be demolished! Are we expected to just sit back and watch them tear down our heritage? Do we really want the noise and pollution of a busy airport to replace our tranquil existence? STOP this madness in its tracks - VOTE NO TO THE AIRPORT!