Chapter 8: Point of View

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Bridging the Gap, 9/eBrenda Smith

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

In this chapter you will answer the questions:

Is a textbook influenced by the author’s point of view?

What is the author’s point of view? What is the reader’s point of view? What is the difference between a fact and an

opinion? What is the author’s purpose? What is the author’s tone?

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

What is the Author’s Point of View?

Point of View Suggests

thoughtfulness and openness.

Bias Facts are slanted toward

the author’s personal belief.

An opinion or position on a subject.

Author’s opinions and theories that influence theirpresentation of the subject matter

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

What is the Reader’s Point of View

Open Mind Prior knowledge. Slightly suspicious

nature.

Closed Mind Existing opinions affect

how much we accept or reject.

If beliefs are strong we “tune out” new material.

Alternative Arguments

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Reader’s Tip: Questions to Uncover Bias

What is your opinion on the subject? What is the author’s opinion on the subject? What are the author’s credentials for writing

on the subject? What does the author have to gain? Does the author use facts or opinions as

support? Are the facts selected and slanted to reflect

the author’s bias?

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What is a Fact?

A Fact A fact is a statement based on actual

evidence or personal observation. It can be checked objectively with

empirical data. It can be proved to be either true or

false.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

What is an Opinion?

An Opinion An opinion is a statement of personal

feeling or a judgment. It reflects a belief or an interpretation

rather than an accumulation of evidence.

It cannot be proved true or false.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Fact and Opinion

Fact: Freud believed that the personality is divided into three parts.

Opinion: Freud constructed the most complete theory of personality development.

Opinion: The personality is divided into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego.

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What is the Author’s Purpose?

inform argue entertain

explain persuade narrate

describe condemn describe

enlighten ridicule shock

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

What is the Author’s Tone?

Humorous remarks are designed to be comical & amusing.

Sarcastic remarks are designed to cut or give pain.

Ironic remarks: Express something other than the literal

meaning. Designed to show the incongruity between the

actual and the expected.

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Recognizing the Author’s Tone Part (1)

Absurd/Ridiculous: laughable or a joke. Ambivalent: having contradictory attitudes or

feelings. Apathetic: not caring. Angry: feeling bad and upset about the topic. Arrogant: acting conceited or above others. Cheerful: feeling good about the topic. Complex: complicated & entangled with

confusing parts.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Recognizing the Author’s Tone Part (2)

Congratulatory: honoring an achievement Cruel: mean spirited. Cynical: expecting the worst from people. Depressed: sad, dejected, or having low spirits. Disapproving: judging unfavorably. Distressed: suffering strain, misery, or agony. Disapproving: judging unfavorably. Evasive, abstruse: avoiding or confusing the

issue.

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Recognizing Author’s TonePart (3)

Formal: using an official style Frustrated: blocked from a goal Gentle: thoughtful, not pushy, kind Hard: unfeeling, strict, & unrelenting. Incredulous: unbelieving. Intense/Impassioned: extremely involved,

zealous, or agitated. Irreverent: lack of respect for authority. Objective/Critical: using facts without

emotions.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Recognizing Author’s TonePart (4)

Humorous: being funny. Incredulous: unbelieving. Indignant: outraged. Intense/Impassioned: extremely involved,

zealous, or agitated. Ironic: the opposite of what is expected; a

twist at the end. Irreverent: lacking respect for authority. Mocking/Condemning: using facts without

emotions.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Recognizing Author’s TonePart (5)

Objective: factual: using facts without emotions.

Obsequious: fawning for attention. Optimistic: looking on the bright side. Outspoken: speaking one’s mind on issues. Pathetic: moving one to compassion or pity. Pessimistic: looking on the negative side. Prayerful: religiously thankful. Reverent: showing respect. Righteous: morally correct.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Recognizing Author’s TonePart (6)

Romantic: expressing love or affection. Sarcastic: saying one thing and meaning

another. Satiric: using irony, wit, and sarcasm to

discredit or ridicule. Sensational: over-dramatized or over-hyped. Sentimental: remembering the good old days. Serious/Earnest/Sincere: being honest &

concerned. Tragic: regrettable or deplorable mistake.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Points of View in Editorial Cartoons

In an editorial cartoon, a point of view is made without making a direct verbal statement.

This is done through drawings and cartoons. See examples in your book or search the net

under “editorial cartoons.”

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

To interpret an editorial cartoon, ask:

1. What is this about? (general topic)

2. Who or what is represented by the images shown?

3. What is the main point that the cartoonist is trying to get across?

4. What is the tone of the cartoon?

5. What is the cartoonist’s purpose?

6. What is the cartoonist’s point of view or position on the subject?

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Summary Points

Does a textbook reflect the author’s point of view?

What is the author’s point of view? What is the reader’s point of view? What is the difference between a fact and an

opinion? What is the author’s purpose? What is the author’s tone?

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Search the Net

For suggested Web sites and other research activities, go to http://www.ablongman.com/smith/

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Vocabulary Booster

Complete the Vocabulary Booster Exercises entitled “Say, What?”