Why the author wrote it
Distinguish one's own point of view from that of the author of an informational text and identify the author's purpose
What a learner can do afterwards
- Read an opinion article and state the author's point of view, then state one's own and explain how they differ
- Identify whether an author's purpose is to inform, persuade, or entertain, citing evidence from the text
- Explain how word choices in an informational text reveal the author's attitude toward the topic
The lesson
Every time someone writes, they have a reason. Maybe they want to teach you something, talk you into something, or make you laugh. That reason is called the author's purpose.
Ms. Lee writes an article called "Save Our Park." She says the town needs more trees and a new playground. She uses words like "shameful" and "urgent" to describe the empty lot. Her purpose is to persuade you that the park needs to change.
The author also has a point of view, an opinion about the topic. Your point of view can be different. You might agree, disagree, or feel unsure, and your reasons matter just as much as the author's.
Look at the words the author picks. Words like "wonderful" or "dangerous" show how the author feels. Plain words like "the park is two acres" just give facts.
After reading "Save Our Park," Kayla says, "The author wants a new playground right away. I think that's a good idea, but I also think the town should fix the sidewalks first." Kayla's point of view builds on the author's, but it isn't the same.
Find the author's purpose and point of view, notice the words that reveal it, then decide what you think.
Watch it
Where it sits
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.