Author's Perspective Chapter Notes | Language Arts for Grade 8 PDF Download

Introduction

Understanding an author's perspective is like figuring out why someone thinks the way they do about a topic. Every author has their own opinions, shaped by their experiences, knowledge, and beliefs. By learning to identify an author's point of view, you can better understand their message, spot any biases, and form your own thoughts about the topic. This chapter will teach you what an author's point of view is, why it matters, and how to find it in different types of writing.

Determine the Author's Point of View

What is an author's point of view?

• It is the author's opinion or stance on the topic they are writing about.
• It can also be called their viewpoint, perspective, or personal stance.
• It is shaped by the author's experiences, knowledge, opinions, values, and identity.
• Every piece of writing, especially nonfiction, reflects the author's point of view.

Why is it important to understand the author's point of view?

• It helps you understand not just what the author is saying, but why they are saying it.
• It allows you to identify any biases the author might have.
• It helps you figure out the author's goals or intentions in their writing.
• It encourages you to think critically and form your own opinions about the topic.

How to identify the author's point of view?

• Look for direct statements: In argumentative or opinion writing, authors often clearly state their point of view in a sentence that shows their main argument.
• Analyze word choice:
  • The author's tone shows their attitude toward the topic (e.g., serious, excited, angry).
  • Pay attention to the words they use to understand their tone and perspective.
• Notice included and excluded information:
  • Authors may include facts, evidence, or data that support only their side of an argument.
  • Think about what information the author leaves out, as this can show their perspective.
• Check for biases:
  • Look for one-sided arguments or strong language that shows the author's personal feelings.
  • Notice if the author has a personal connection to the topic, which might influence their view.
  • Check how the author handles opposing viewpoints—if they ignore or dismiss them, it may show bias.

Types of texts and point of view:

• Argumentative or opinion writing: The author's point of view is usually clear because they are trying to convince you of their position.
• Informational texts, newspaper articles, or textbooks: The point of view may be less obvious, but it is still present and can be found using the techniques above.

Example of identifying point of view:

• In an article titled "The Greatest Discovery of Our Time," the author claims that the mummy of an ordinary woman wrapped in an Etruscan cloth book is the most important ancient Egyptian find.
• The author's point of view is that this discovery is more significant than others, like King Tut’s tomb, because it teaches us about the Etruscan civilization.
• Clues to their perspective include strong language (e.g., "greatest find," "lacks the knowledge") and focusing only on evidence that supports their view.
• In an article about preserving Indigenous languages, the author discusses how native Hawaiians are teaching their language, ʻŌlelo, to save their culture.
• The author’s point of view is that saving Indigenous languages is key to preserving traditional communities.
• Clues include positive language about efforts to save languages and a focus on the cultural loss when languages disappear.

Tips for analyzing point of view:

• Always ask yourself: What is the author’s opinion on this topic?
• Pay attention to how the author presents their ideas—do they seem balanced or one-sided?
• Think about why the author might feel this way based on their word choice or the information they share.
• Use your understanding of the author’s point of view to form your own opinions about the topic.