Author’s Point of View

Every time an author writes, he or she has a point of view. You could also think of it as a “reason for writing”…

Understanding the author's point of view helps you comprehend what you are reading. There are questions you can ask yourself to figure out why the author wrote the text.

While reading a passage you should be asking yourself, "What was the reason this piece was written?"

What have you written lately? Why?

To share a story? To explain something? To convince someone to agree with you?

Authors have many reasons why they write a piece : Authors write to inform or teach someone about something. Sometimes authors write for others to enjoy his or her piece. Often authors' purpose of writing is to persuade their audience to do or not do something. Or it may just be to express his or her feelings.

To inform: Non-fiction Includes facts, details, places, events, or people The piece may sound like something you could find in a textbook or an encyclopedia.

To entertain: Usually fiction The author is trying to hold your attention pleasantly or agreeably. Often amusing or funny

To persuade: When the author wants you to believe in his or her position Usually non-fiction Although facts may be included, the author’s opinion is clear. You can tell if he or she is for or against it.

To express: Personal Not intended for outside audience Focused on the author Examples – diary, journal, personal poetry

Fiction: something invented or imagined; a made-up story

Non-Fiction True, factual information with details The information can be checked.

Read the next pages and determine the author’s point of view.

What is the purpose of this text? Use the information to the left to determine the author’s purpose. To inform? To entertain? To persuade? To express?

?? ** add ad** Non-fiction Information with details To inform

What is the purpose of this text? ******************************** What do you do with aluminum cans? Do you throw them in the trash, or do you recycle when you are finished with them? At the rate we are filling our landfills, we will not have anywhere else to put our trash!

What do you do with aluminum cans? When the author wants you to believe in his or her position Usually non-fiction Although facts may be included, the author’s opinion is clear. You can tell if he or she is for or against it. To persuade!

What is the purpose of this text? ******************************** This was Kathy’s first baby-sitting job. She was so excited, but she was really nervous. Kathy knew this was a lot of responsibility, but she thought she was ready. But as soon as Matthew’s parents left, he fell and hit his chin on the coffee table!

This was Kathy’s first baby-sitting job… Fiction The author is trying to hold your attention pleasantly or agreeably To entertain!

What’s the purpose of this text? Dear Diary – Today was such a hard day for me. It was the first day at my new school. None of the kids were mean to me, but none were really nice either. I miss my old friends and my old school. I wish we had never moved here!

?? Author focused Very personal Expressing her feelings

What is the purpose this text? ******************************************************* El Paso Museum of Art Docent Program Docents are trained volunteers who lead interactive, educational tours for groups at the Museum. No artistic background is needed -adults with a love of art and willingness to give a commitment of time are invited to join the program. Docents are asked to commit two years to the program, attend all meetings and training sessions, and conduct a minimum of four tours per month. Museum staff leads a 7-month training program each spring.

El Paso Museum of Art Docent Program The purpose? Non-fiction. Includes facts, details, places, events, or people To inform!

As you read, be sure to ask yourself: What was the reason this piece was written?

And you’ll know: To inform To entertain To persuade or To express.