Author's Purpose and Perspective
Identifying why an author writes and the point of view they express
Author's Purpose and Perspective
Identifying why an author writes and the point of view they express
Language Arts - Grade 6-8
- 1
Read this sentence: 'Students should have at least 20 minutes of recess every day because exercise helps them focus better in class.' What is the author's purpose, and what perspective does the author express?
Look for opinion words and a reason that supports a claim.
The author's purpose is to persuade. The author expresses the perspective that daily recess is important because it helps students stay healthy and learn better. - 2
Read this sentence: 'The Amazon rainforest is home to millions of plant and animal species and plays an important role in Earth's climate.' What is the author's purpose?
The author's purpose is to inform. The sentence gives facts about the rainforest instead of telling a story or trying strongly to convince the reader to take action. - 3
Read this sentence: 'When I first moved to a new school, I felt nervous, but joining the art club helped me make friends.' What perspective is shown in this sentence?
Notice the words that show the writer's own experience.
The perspective is personal and positive. The speaker shares a first-person experience and shows that joining the art club improved the situation. - 4
Read this passage: 'Many people think video games are only a distraction. However, some games improve problem-solving skills and teamwork.' What perspective does the author express about video games?
The author expresses the perspective that video games can have benefits. The phrase 'however' shows the author is pushing back against a negative view and presenting a more positive opinion. - 5
Read this passage: 'The museum opened in 1924. It contains over 10,000 artifacts from ancient civilizations.' What is the author's purpose, and what clues help you know?
Decide whether the passage gives facts, tells a story, or tries to convince.
The author's purpose is to inform. The clues are the dates and factual details about the museum and its artifacts. - 6
Read this passage: 'If our town builds more bike lanes, more people will ride safely to school and work.' What is the author's purpose?
The author's purpose is to persuade. The author is supporting the idea of building more bike lanes by giving a reason why they would help the community. - 7
Read this passage: 'The old house groaned as the wind pushed against its shutters, and Mia pulled the blanket closer.' What is the author's purpose?
Think about whether this sounds like facts, an opinion, or part of a story.
The author's purpose is to entertain. The passage uses descriptive language to create a scene and draw the reader into a story. - 8
An author writes an article explaining how to save water at home by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and turning off the faucet while brushing teeth. What is the author's purpose?
The author's purpose is to inform and guide the reader. The article teaches practical ways to save water using clear instructions and examples. - 9
Read this sentence: 'I believe school uniforms limit students' ability to express their personalities.' What perspective does the author express?
Look for words that signal a personal belief.
The author expresses the perspective that school uniforms are too restrictive. The phrase 'I believe' shows a personal opinion, and the rest of the sentence explains that opinion. - 10
Read this passage: 'The new library media center offers quiet study rooms, updated computers, and free after-school tutoring.' What is the most likely author's purpose?
The most likely author's purpose is to inform. The passage lists features of the library media center to tell readers what is available there. - 11
Read this passage: 'Too much homework can leave students stressed and exhausted, which is why schools should create limits on nightly assignments.' Identify the author's purpose and perspective.
Pay attention to the problem and the solution the author suggests.
The author's purpose is to persuade. The author expresses the perspective that schools should limit homework because too much homework causes stress and fatigue for students. - 12
A travel writer describes a beach by saying, 'The water sparkled like glass, and the warm sand made the whole coast feel peaceful.' What perspective does the writer express?
The writer expresses a positive perspective about the beach. The descriptive words 'sparkled,' 'warm,' and 'peaceful' show admiration and enjoyment. - 13
Read this passage: 'Some residents oppose the new community center because of the cost, but others support it because it would provide a safe place for teens after school.' What can you infer about the author's perspective?
Notice whether the author gives one side or multiple sides.
The author's perspective seems balanced or neutral. The author presents both sides of the issue instead of strongly supporting only one viewpoint. - 14
Explain the difference between an author's purpose and an author's perspective in your own words.
An author's purpose is the reason the author writes, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. An author's perspective is the opinion, attitude, or point of view the author has about the topic. - 15
Read this sentence: 'City parks are not a waste of money. They give families a place to gather, exercise, and enjoy nature.' What is the author's perspective, and how do you know?
Look for the opinion being defended and the supporting reasons.
The author's perspective is that city parks are valuable and worth supporting. I know this because the author defends parks and gives positive reasons for why they matter to families and communities.