Author's Purpose & Perspective

Two Big Questions to Ask!

Purpose: WHY did the author write this? (To persuade, inform, or entertain)
Perspective: HOW does the author FEEL about the topic? (Their viewpoint or attitude)

Remember PIE - Author's Purpose

Persuade

To get you to agree, believe, or do something

Inform

To teach you facts or give information

Entertain

To make you smile, laugh, or enjoy reading

Author's Perspective = How the Author Feels

Authors show their perspective (feelings or viewpoint) through the words they choose. Positive words show a positive perspective. Negative words show a negative perspective.

Word choice is your best clue to finding the author's perspective!

Same Topic, Different Perspectives!

Read how two authors write about the SAME topic (video games) with DIFFERENT perspectives:

Author A - Positive Perspective "Video games are an amazing way for kids to learn problem-solving skills. These exciting games help children develop hand-eye coordination and can be a wonderful way for families to bond together."

Word clues: amazing, exciting, wonderful, help

Author B - Negative Perspective "Video games are a dangerous distraction that keeps kids from homework and exercise. These harmful games waste hours of time and can lead to serious problems with sleep and grades."

Word clues: dangerous, harmful, waste, serious problems

Word Choice Reveals Perspective

Positive Words (Author LIKES it)

amazing, wonderful, helpful, exciting, important, beautiful, excellent, successful, valuable

Negative Words (Author DISLIKES it)

dangerous, harmful, wasteful, disappointing, foolish, terrible, risky, difficult, unfortunate

Fact vs. Opinion

FACT - Can Be Proven

"Florida has 67 counties."
"Dogs are mammals."
"The book has 200 pages."

OPINION - What Someone Believes

"Florida is the best state."
"Dogs make the best pets."
"The book is boring."

Clue words for opinions: best, worst, should, beautiful, think, believe, feel, most, always, never

Practice: Find the Perspective

Passage A: School uniforms are an excellent idea for students. Wearing uniforms helps everyone feel equal and reduces bullying. Students who wear uniforms spend less time worrying about clothes and more time focusing on learning. Every school should require uniforms!

1. What is the author's PURPOSE for writing this passage?

O A. To inform readers about what uniforms look like O B. To persuade readers that school uniforms are a good idea O C. To entertain readers with a funny story about uniforms O D. To explain how uniforms are made

2. What is the author's PERSPECTIVE on school uniforms?

O A. The author thinks uniforms are boring O B. The author thinks uniforms are a bad idea O C. The author thinks uniforms are helpful and good O D. The author has no opinion about uniforms

3. Which words from the passage show the author's positive perspective? (Write 2 words)

4. Which sentence from the passage is an OPINION?

O A. "Wearing uniforms helps everyone feel equal." O B. "Students who wear uniforms spend less time worrying about clothes." O C. "School uniforms are an excellent idea for students." O D. "Some schools require uniforms."

Practice: Compare Two Perspectives

Passage B: Homework is a waste of valuable time. Students already spend six hours at school learning. After school, kids need time to play, exercise, and be with their families. Too much homework causes stress and takes away from important activities. Schools should reduce homework requirements.

5. What is the author's PERSPECTIVE on homework?

O A. The author thinks homework is helpful O B. The author thinks homework is unnecessary and harmful O C. The author thinks homework is fun O D. The author has no opinion about homework

6. Which words show the author's NEGATIVE perspective? (Circle them in the passage above, then write 2 below)

Remember These Key Ideas!

Purpose = WHY the author wrote (Persuade, Inform, Entertain)
Perspective = HOW the author feels about the topic
Word choice reveals the author's perspective
Facts can be proven; Opinions are what someone believes
Look for positive or negative words to find the perspective!