Chapter 1
CHAPTER 1: READING FOR MEANING
Course: Ged Test Prep
Subject: English Languages Art Rla
Chapter: Chapter 1 Reading For Meaning
Author's Purpose
Have you ever thought about who wrote the text, why they wrote it? Well that is what you will learn in this lesson.
An author is a person who is responsible for crafting or producing a piece of writing. He is not the person described in the text, but he is the creator of the original work.
Every time an author puts pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, they do so with a purpose in mind. They always have a specific reason for writing a text, this is what is referred to as the
author’s purpose. They can write to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain.
In either case, understanding the writer’s purpose will help you interpret the context of the writing.
How to identify the author’s purpose
As you read any text, look for clues in which the writer clearly expresses their beliefs. These clues include:
a) Overstatements: They are texts that start or end with commands like, feed the poor, or always wear your mask. These texts draw attention to the author’s opinion, hence reinforcing the purpose of the text.
b.) Author’s tone and choice of words: Pay attention to the writer’s choice of words, and his or her tone and attitude toward the subject.
c.) Look for key words and phrase: Key words and phrases like argue, convince, inform, entertain, or persuade, indicate the author’s purpose of writing.
d.) Read and understand the title of the text: Titles can clearly indicate purpose, such as The Case for National Health Insurance, An annual report prepared by the Council of Economic
Advisers, providing an overview of the nation's economic progress, goals, and policies, and How to market land
Sometimes, the author does not state the purpose of a piece of writing directly. This requires you to infer or make an educated guess about the author’s intent. But how can you achieve this?
- Use what the text tells you plus what you already know about the topic to infer.
Consider the following aspects to accurately infer the author’s purpose.
- Examine the conclusion: The conclusion often restates the main points of the text and reinforces the author's purpose. Look for any final thoughts or calls to action that indicate what the author wants readers to take away from the text.
11.Analyze the text: This is the most significant method of identifying the author’s purpose. By close reading and analyzing the text, you can better identify the author’s intent and gain deeper understanding of the text.
111 .Knowledge about publication: Even if the author does not state the purpose of text directly, the place of publication and where a text is published reveals much. For example, a book from an academic press, such as Oxford University, will usually have a scholarly purpose aimed at the advancement of knowledge.
Consider the target audience and examine the tone and the language used by the author.
Let’s take a look at this example and identify the author’s purpose.
Police dogs in the United States are more than just loyal companions to law enforcement officers; they are highly trained and versatile assets in crime-fighting operations. These specially bred and rigorously trained canines possess an array of skills that make them indispensable in various law enforcement tasks.
From sniffing out drugs and explosives to tracking suspects and locating missing persons, police dogs demonstrate remarkable intelligence, agility, and obedience in their duties.
What makes them particularly fascinating is their ability to detect scents undetectable to humans, their unwavering dedication to their handlers, and their capacity to perform under high-pressure situations, often leading to successful apprehensions and life-saving interventions.
Moreover, the bond between police officers and their canine partners adds another layer of intrigue to their work. The relationship between handler and dog is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect, resulting in a partnership that goes beyond mere professional collaboration.
These dogs become integral members of the police force, forging a connection that is as heartwarming as it is effective in combating crime. Through their remarkable abilities and the deep bonds they form with their human counterparts, USA police dogs exemplify the remarkable intersection of skill, loyalty, and teamwork in law enforcement.
Solution
The author's purpose in this passage is to inform the reader about the fascinating aspects of USA police dogs. This is evident from the detailed descriptions of the dogs' training, skills, and the bond between handlers and their canine partners.
For example, the passage discusses how police dogs are trained to detect drugs and explosives, track suspects, and locate missing persons, providing specific examples of their capabilities.
Overall, the passage aims to educate readers about the impressive abilities and important role of police dogs in the United States.
Authors's Point of view
By now, I hope you understand how to identify the author’s purpose. In this lesson, you will learn about the author’s point of view.
What is a point of view?
Your Point of view is the perspective you have when approaching a topic or the way you think or feel about a topic. For example, when a beggar gets a piece of blanket, he may say, what a nice blanket! But when a rich person gets the blanket, he may say, ‘What a tiny blanket
What is the author’s point of view?
An author’s point of view refers to his or her position on a topic or, in other words, the author’s opinion or belief regarding an issue. It’s how the writer sees the topic and feels about it.
Authors often express their perspectives by using opinion words such as, I believe…,In my opinion…, I feel that…, From my perspective…, I think…, As far as I am concerned etc.
Perspective affects the way the writer shapes and develops ideas. Therefore, understanding a writer’s point of view helps you understand how that person thinks.
How do you identify the author’s point of view?
You can use context clues to accurately identify the author’s point of view. They include:
Narrative perspective: The way the story is narrated can provide insights into the author's point of view. First-person narratives often reveal the author's personal perspective, while third-person narratives may offer a more objective viewpoint.
Language and tone: The language used by the author and the overall tone of the text can indicate their attitude towards the subject matter.
Development of characters: Pay attention to how characters are portrayed and developed throughout the text. The way characters speak, act, and interact with others can reflect the author's beliefs, values, and biases.
Evidence and examples: The types of evidence and examples presented by the author can reveal their perspective.
Themes: Analyze the themes and information conveyed throughout the text. Consider whether the author seems to endorse certain ideas or values over others, and how these themes align with the overall narrative.
The author’s focus: Look for topics that the author often talks about. The author may have bias over the topics they believe to be true.
Structure of the questions that ask about the author’s point of view
- What is the author’s perspective in this article?
- What does the author use to get her point across?
- In the author’s opinion, what should be done to: ______________?
- Why does the author in the text _________________________?
- With which statement listed below would the author of this article most likely agree?
Let’s take a look at this example
Cost of Crime Adds Up By Richard Burnett,
Sentinel Staff Writer Florida businesses will lose more money from crime this year than they'll spend on water, gas and electricity. This is according to a study released Tuesday. From shoplifting to employee theft, crime is expected to cost Florida businesses $27.4 billion.
The cost is twice that of residential crime, according to the report issued by Attorney General Charlie Crist and a law enforcement/industry coalition.
The biggest perpetrators, surprisingly, are not robbers and burglars. Rather, they are rogue employees, pilfering everything from stock inventory and office supplies to company accounts and confidential data. More than $13 billion in losses -- almost half of Florida's annual total -- are attributed to those inside jobs, the study said. State officials said they are launching a campaign to inform the public and business community about the problem.
Quiz: What is the author’s point of view toward ―rogue employees?
Solution
The author's point of view towards rogue employees is likely negative, as indicated by the emphasis on their contribution to crime within Florida businesses.
The article highlights that rogue employees are responsible for almost half of Florida's annual total losses due to crime, surpassing the losses attributed to traditional criminals like burglars and robbers. Therefore, the author sees rogue employees as worse than traditional criminals when it comes to stealing from businesses.