Author's Point of View
Ratna (2004:90), said
that the point of view is the
way of the author to show a topic, story
or subject. The Author’s Point of View is how the author feels about
the topic and events in the writing. Are they angry, disappointed, sorrowful, or maybe
delighted, enthusiastic, or empathetic? Point of View also position from which a writer addresses a
topic to include beliefs, assumptions, and biases.
An
author’s point of view is his or her position or stance on a topic. Authors
express their points of view through the kinds of words they use and by the
kinds of details they include in their writing. It is important to recognize an
author’s point of view when you read. Identifying an author’s point of view
helps you understand the author’s position on a topic, it helps you compare it
with your own position, and it may help you understand differences of opinion
among authors on a topic.
Point
of view refers to the author’s opinion. The author’s point of view is his or her
particular opinion or position on the topic. Point of view includes beliefs,
biases and assumptions. This is the writer’s own personal way of looking at the
subject. Sometimes the writer makes personal judgments that are evident in the
reading.
Examples: a) A writer may have an opinion
about how responsible young people are. From this point of view, the author
assumes the best of young people. The same writer may have a strong opinion or
bias against adults who do not help young people who deserve it. These beliefs,
opinions, positions and biases will influence the writing. b) A writer may take
the point of view that violence in schools is caused by violence in society.
Writing from this point of view will show a bias against social institutions
like television and movies and their influence on youth. As you read, you may
have your own opinion. Pay attention to your reaction to the reading. It may
help you to figure out the author’s point of view.
Why is Author's
Purpose and Point of View an important reading strategy?
Understanding
the author’s purpose will help you identify the main idea and most important
details.
To
Entertain: Characters, setting, problem, events, solution
To
Inform: Who, Where, When, What, Why, How
To
Persuade: Audience, point of view, supporting reasons
Questions that help students explore
author’s viewpoint:
1.What
opinions or belief statements are evident in the article?
2.Why
do you think the author has this particular opinion or point of view?
3.What
background information about the author does the reader have that may help
understand the writer’s point of view? (Point of reference) Would another
author have a different point of view depending on his/her background
experiences?
4.What
pictures does the author paint for a reader?
5.What
evidence did the author include to support their opinions?
6.What
facts were missing?
7.What
words and phrases did the author use to present the information? (Students
collect samples of the language an author uses to identify the context in which
ideas are presented.)
8.Why
did the author write this selection? Identifying the author’s purpose helps
students recognize possible viewpoints, especially in persuasive writing.
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