Which statement is an example of the author’s bias in favor of building the strip mall?
a) “while much of the public rallied against the construction of the strip mall, some citizens welcomed its development.”
b) “the members told the assembled group that over the past ten years the zoning around their club has changed drastically.”
c) “washington, who gave the most convincing speech of the night, eloquently stated that the new development would bolster business.”
d) “tension oozed from the courthouse last night as debate raged during the bimonthly sussex county commissioner’s meeting, which centered on the most hotly debate topic in the area: a proposed strip mall.

Option C. The following statement is an example of the author's bias in favor of building the strip mall:

"Washington, who gave the most convincing speech of the night, eloquently stated that the new development would bolster business."

Explanation:

The term bias can be defined as a prejudice in favor or against something or someone, usually in a way that is considered to be unfair or subjective. When the author writes that Jerome Washington, who is in favor of building the strip mall, gave the most convincing speech, the author is showing a bias in favor of what Washington proclaimed, therefore a bias in favor of building the strip mall. This is because the fact that the author believes that Washington's speech was the most convincing is a completely subjective opinion, and can bot be used as a fact.

the underline word is basically like a prepositional phrase.