Chapter 8: Point of View 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Bridging the Gap, 9/e Brenda Smith

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers In this chapter you will answer the questions: Is a textbook influenced by the author’s point of view? What is the author’s point of view? What is the reader’s point of view? What is the difference between a fact and an opinion? What is the author’s purpose? What is the author’s tone?

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers What is the Author’s Point of View? Point of View An opinion or position on a subject. Suggests thoughtfulness and openness. p. 422/406 & 426/408 Bias An opinion or position on a subject. Facts are slanted toward the author’s personal belief. Author’s opinions and theories that influence their presentation of the subject matter

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers What is the Reader’s Point of View Open Mind Prior knowledge. Slightly suspicious nature. Closed Mind Existing opinions affect how much we accept or reject. If beliefs are strong we “tune out” new material. Alternative Arguments

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Reader’s Tip: Questions to Uncover Bias What is your opinion on the subject? What is the author’s opinion on the subject? What are the author’s credentials for writing on the subject? What does the author have to gain? Does the author use facts or opinions as support? Are the facts selected and slanted to reflect the author’s bias?

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers What is a Fact? A Fact A fact is a statement based on actual evidence or personal observation. It can be checked objectively with empirical data. It can be proved to be either true or false.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers What is an Opinion? An Opinion An opinion is a statement based upon personal feelings or judgments. It reflects a belief or an interpretation rather than an accumulation of evidence. It cannot be proved true or false.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Fact and Opinion Fact: Freud believed that the personality is divided into three parts. Opinion: Freud constructed the most complete theory of personality development. Opinion: The personality is divided into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. P. 430/412

Author’s Purpose The reason for writing or reading. Persuade Inform Entertain

Pg.417 What is the Author’s Purpose?

Author’s Tone The author’s attitude or feelings toward the subject matter. Pg. 420

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers What is the Author’s Tone? Humorous remarks are designed to be comical & amusing. Sarcastic remarks are designed to cut or give pain. Ironic remarks: Express something other than the literal meaning. Designed to show the incongruity between the actual and the expected.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Recognizing the Author’s Tone Part (1) Absurd/Ridiculous: laughable or a joke. Ambivalent: having contradictory attitudes or feelings. Apathetic: not caring. Angry: feeling bad and upset about the topic. Arrogant: acting conceited or above others. Cheerful: feeling good about the topic. Complex: complicated & entangled with confusing parts.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Recognizing the Author’s Tone Part (2) Congratulatory: honoring an achievement Cruel: mean spirited. Cynical: expecting the worst from people. Depressed: sad, dejected, or having low spirits. Disapproving: judging unfavorably. Distressed: suffering strain, misery, or agony. Disapproving: judging unfavorably. Evasive, abstruse: avoiding or confusing the issue.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Recognizing Author’s Tone Part (3) Formal: using an official style Frustrated: blocked from a goal Gentle: thoughtful, not pushy, kind Hard: unfeeling, strict, & unrelenting. Incredulous: unbelieving. Intense/Impassioned: extremely involved, zealous, or agitated. Irreverent: lack of respect for authority. Objective/Critical: using facts without emotions.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Recognizing Author’s Tone Part (4) Humorous: being funny. Incredulous: unbelieving. Indignant: outraged. Intense/Impassioned: extremely involved, zealous, or agitated. Ironic: the opposite of what is expected; a twist at the end. Irreverent: lacking respect for authority. Mocking/Condemning: using facts without emotions.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Recognizing Author’s Tone Part (5) Objective: factual: using facts without emotions. Obsequious: fawning for attention. Optimistic: looking on the bright side. Outspoken: speaking one’s mind on issues. Pathetic: moving one to compassion or pity. Pessimistic: looking on the negative side. Prayerful: religiously thankful. Reverent: showing respect. Righteous: morally correct.

p. 438/422 p. 440/423 Recognizing Author’s Tone Part (6) Romantic: expressing love or affection. Sarcastic: saying one thing and meaning another. Satiric: using irony, wit, and sarcasm to discredit or ridicule. Sensational: over-dramatized or over-hyped. Sentimental: remembering the good old days. Serious/Earnest/Sincere: being honest & concerned. Tragic: regrettable or deplorable mistake.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers Points of View in Editorial Cartoons In an editorial cartoon, a point of view is made without making a direct verbal statement. This is done through drawings and cartoons. See examples in your book or search the net under “editorial cartoons.”

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers To interpret an editorial cartoon, ask: 1. What is this about? (general topic) 2. Who or what is represented by the images shown? 3. What is the main point that the cartoonist is trying to get across? 4. What is the tone of the cartoon? 5. What is the cartoonist’s purpose? 6. What is the cartoonist’s point of view or position on the subject? p. 444/425 & 446/427

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Summary Points Does a textbook reflect the author’s point of view? What is the author’s point of view? What is the reader’s point of view? What is the difference between a fact and an opinion? What is the author’s purpose? What is the author’s tone?