What are the typical purposes an author may have, and how can readers determine the author’s point of view?

• A. Purposes include to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain; determine POV by examining language, evidence, bias, and perspective.
• B. POV cannot be determined from the text.
• C. Purposes are not detectable from a text.
• D. Purposes include to indoctrinate; POV is always biased.

Answer: (A)

Think about why authors write and how the writing shows those goals. Writers usually aim to inform with facts, persuade you to a viewpoint or action, entertain with storytelling or humor, or explain how something works or why it happens. To figure out the author’s point of view, look at how the text is built: the language and tone, the kinds of evidence or examples used, what’s emphasized or left out, and any signs of bias or a particular perspective. The way these clues come together reveals the lens through which the topic is presented—the author’s view about it.

If the piece is informing, you’ll likely see clear, straightforward facts and explanations. If it’s persuading, expect charged language, appeals to emotions, and selective evidence aimed at swaying you. If it’s entertaining, you’ll notice vivid imagery, humor, or a playful voice. If it’s explaining, the writing will organize information logically, sometimes with steps or definitions. By weighing word choices, what the author highlights, and the evidence or reasoning used, you can infer the author’s point of view.

Cleverly noting that a text claims to be neutral while quietly favoring one side would still be a clue about perspective, but it isn’t accurate to say POV can’t be determined or that purposes are never detectable. And while some texts may aim to indoctrinate, many show a range of purposes and more nuanced viewpoints rather than a blanket assumption of bias.