Author's Purpose & Counterviews
Aligned to RI.8.6 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
Every informational author writes with a purpose and a point of view. Notice how a skilled author names opposing evidence or viewpoints and then answers them instead of ignoring them.
Worked examples
Example 1
A writer arguing for later school starts admits 'buses would need new routes,' then answers that districts have solved this before, strengthening the case by facing the objection.
Example 2
A writer who concedes the strongest objection early reads as confident. One who saves it for a footnote reads as hoping you will not notice.
Example 3
An author's purpose and their stated purpose can differ. A piece that says it is 'just asking questions' is often arguing.
Practice questions
- State the author's purpose in one sentence.
- Find where the author names an opposing view.
- Explain how the author responds to that objection.
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 del Autor y Puntos Contrarios
Todo autor de texto informativo escribe con un propósito y un punto de vista. Observa cómo un autor hábil menciona la evidencia o los puntos de vista contrarios y luego los responde en vez de ignorarlos.
Ejemplo 1: Un escritor que defiende empezar la escuela más tarde admite 'los autobuses necesitarían nuevas rutas,' y luego responde que otros distritos ya lo resolvieron, fortaleciendo su caso al enfrentar la objeción.
Ejemplo 2: Un autor que concede pronto la objeción más fuerte se lee como seguro. Uno que la guarda para una nota al pie se lee como esperando que no la notes.
Ejemplo 3: El propósito de un autor y su propósito declarado pueden diferir. Un texto que dice 'solo estoy preguntando' muchas veces está argumentando.
More Reading: Informational lessons
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