Reading Strategies Identify Author’s Viewpoint Author’s viewpoint is the way an author looks at a topic or the ideas being described. Viewpoint includes the content and the language used to present the data. Thoughtful readers decipher an author’s point of view, opinions, hypotheses, assumptions, and possible bias. Instruction for author’s viewpoint helps students read analytically in order to identify the validity of information. Students identify words and phrases that show an author’s strong feelings for or against a person, group, or issue. They identify selections that present various perspectives on a topic. Readers learn to identify stated and unstated viewpoints. Guiding Questions: What opinions or belief statements are evident in the article? Why do you think the author has this particular opinion or point of view? What background information about the author does the reader have that may help understand the writer’s point of view? (Point of reference) Would another author have a different point of view depending on his/her background experiences? What pictures does the author paint for a reader? What evidence did the author include to support their opinions? What facts were missing? What words and phrases did the author use to present the information? Why did the author write this selection? Identifying the author’s purpose helps students recognize possible viewpoints, especially in persuasive writing.   Facebook Pinterest Twitter © 1997 – 2019 Journey North. All rights reserved.