Author's Purpose and Position
Aligned to RI.7.6 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
Every nonfiction author writes for a reason and often holds a position. Determine that purpose and notice how the author sets their view apart from opposing ones.
Worked examples
Example 1
A writer argues homework should shrink, then adds, 'Some teachers claim it builds discipline, but studies disagree.' Naming the opposing view and answering it sharpens the author's own position.
Example 2
A writer who spends four paragraphs on benefits and one sentence on cost has told you their position through proportion alone.
Example 3
Naming the opposing view and then not answering it is worse than ignoring it — the reader is left holding the objection you raised.
Practice questions
- In an article, state the author's main purpose or opinion in one sentence.
- Find a spot where the author mentions a different viewpoint.
- Explain how the author responds to that other view to strengthen their own.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Propósito y postura del autor
Todo autor de no ficción escribe por una razón y suele tener una postura. Determina ese propósito y nota cómo separa su punto de vista del de otros.
Ejemplo 1: Un autor pide menos tarea y agrega: 'Algunos maestros dicen que forma disciplina, pero los estudios lo niegan.' Nombrar la otra postura y responderla afina su propia posición.
Ejemplo 2: Un autor que dedica cuatro párrafos a los beneficios y una oración al costo ya te dijo su postura solo con la proporción.
Ejemplo 3: Nombrar la postura contraria y luego no responderla es peor que ignorarla — el lector se queda con la objeción que tú levantaste.
More Reading: Informational lessons
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