Author's Purpose/Point of View

When we read a text, it's important to consider the author's purpose and point of view. These two elements provide insight into why the author wrote the piece and the perspective from which it is written.

Author's Purpose

The author's purpose refers to the reason behind writing the text. Authors typically write for one of the following purposes:

• Inform: The author aims to provide information or explain a topic.
• Persuade: The author tries to convince the reader to agree with a certain viewpoint or take a specific action.
• Entertain: The author's goal is to engage and amuse the reader through storytelling or humor.
• Express: The author expresses their feelings, thoughts, or personal experiences.

Point of View

Point of view refers to the perspective from which the story is told. It can be categorized into three main types:

• First Person: The narrator is a character in the story and uses "I," "me," and "we" to tell the tale.
• Third Person Limited: The narrator is not a character in the story and focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character.
• Third Person Omniscient: The narrator is not a character in the story and knows the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.

Why It Matters

Understanding the author's purpose and point of view helps readers interpret the text more effectively. By considering these elements, readers can analyze the motivations behind the writing and gain insight into the biases or perspectives shaping the narrative.

Overall, examining the author's purpose and point of view enriches the reading experience and encourages critical thinking about the text.