Grade 4 ELA | FAST Success Kit | FL B.E.S.T. Standards
ELA.4.R.2.3
Explain an author's perspective toward a topic in an informational text.
Fourth graders must understand both author's PURPOSE (why they wrote) and PERSPECTIVE (how they feel about the topic). The key advancement from Grade 3 is analyzing how word choice reveals the author's viewpoint.
To convince the reader to think, feel, or do something
To teach or give facts and information
To amuse, delight, or make the reader enjoy
Author's perspective is the author's ATTITUDE, FEELINGS, or VIEWPOINT about the topic. Even in informational texts, authors have a perspective that comes through in their word choice. Students must identify this perspective AND explain how the author reveals it.
| Facts | Opinions |
|---|---|
| Can be proven true or false | What someone thinks or believes |
| "The Statue of Liberty is 305 feet tall." | "The Statue of Liberty is the most beautiful monument." |
| Uses specific numbers, dates, names | Uses words like best, worst, should, believe, think |
| Can be checked in reference sources | Different people can disagree |
Reality: Even authors of informational texts have perspectives. An author writing about recycling might feel strongly that it's important, which shows in their word choice ("essential," "critical," "everyone must").
Reality: Purpose is WHY the author wrote (to inform, persuade, entertain). Perspective is HOW the author feels about the topic. An author can write to inform about video games while having a negative perspective on them.
Reality: Opinions aren't wrong - they're just different from facts. Authors use opinions to express their perspective, which is a valid part of writing.
| Question Type | Example Stem | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Identify Purpose | "What is the author's MAIN purpose for writing this passage?" | Recognizing overall goal |
| Explain Perspective | "What is the author's perspective on [topic]?" | Understanding author's viewpoint |
| Word Choice Evidence | "Which words show how the author feels about [topic]?" | Analyzing word choice |
| Fact vs. Opinion | "Which sentence states an opinion?" | Distinguishing fact from opinion |
| Perspective Evidence | "Which sentence BEST shows the author's perspective?" | Finding textual evidence |
Show students two short texts about the same topic (e.g., homework) - one positive and one negative. Have them identify the different perspectives and the words that reveal each.
Give students a neutral passage and have them swap words to create either a positive or negative perspective. This shows how word choice shapes meaning.
Use sentence strips with facts and opinions. Have students physically sort them and explain their reasoning. Include tricky examples that blend both.
Have students highlight or underline specific words that reveal the author's perspective in different colors (positive = green, negative = red, neutral = yellow).
| Resource | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Student Concept Worksheet | Introduces purpose, perspective, and word choice analysis | Days 1-2 introduction |
| Practice Worksheet | 12 questions across multiple passages covering all skills | Days 3-4 practice |
| FAST Practice Quiz | 10-question assessment mirroring actual FAST format | Day 5 assessment |
| Parent Activity Guide | Home activities for identifying purpose and perspective | Ongoing home support |
| Answer Keys | Complete answers with explanations for all worksheets | Teacher/parent reference |