Identify a writer's position or point of view
"Vegetarianism is good for the planet."
"The development of artificial intelligence will help humanity."
"Ocean life is being threatened by human economic development."
These statements all express a point of view.
A writer’s position or point of view is their particular way of approaching or considering a topic. In an argument, a writer will aim to persuade the reader to share their position on an issue. Their position may be stated explicitly, or it may be implicit.
To identify someone’s point of view, ask yourself some questions:
Once you are able to identify a writer's point of view, you can question it and look beneath the surface of what is being said. Read the piece of text below and consider what the author’s point of view might be. Select the arrow to the right for a suggested answer.
Identify a writer's position or point of view
"Vegetarianism is good for the planet."
"The development of artificial intelligence will help humanity."
"Ocean life is being threatened by human economic development."
These statements above all express a point of view.
A writer’s position or point of view is their particular way of approaching or considering a topic. In an argument, a writer will aim to persuade the reader to share their position on an issue. Their position may be stated explicitly, or it may be implicit.
To identify someone’s point of view, it can be helpful to ask yourself some questions:
- What is the main message I am supposed to take from this?
- Does this person seem to be defending a particular opinion or making a case?
- Could this be approached from a different angle?
- What reasons are being offered to encourage me to accept the points being made?
Once you are able to identify a writer's point of view, you can question it and look beneath the surface of what is being said.
Read the piece of text below and consider what the author’s point of view might be.
"The Sahara is a region worthy of serious investigation by travellers interested in the past. Ancient architectures are no doubt hidden beneath the Saharan sands. Somewhere in the eastern Sahara, there may lie the long-lost oasis of Zerzura and the fabled city of Timbuktu. Many have tried to find traces of the cultures that once straddles the great area covered by the desert."
Here is a suggested answer:
The author’s position is: The Sahara is an area worth investigating by those who are interested in the past. This author supports this point of view by referring to traces of past culture hidden beneath the sands.