AUTHOR’S VIEWPOINT AND PURPOSE – INFORMATIONAL TEXTS

Author’s Viewpoint and Author’s Purpose

When reading informational texts on the GED® test, it’s important to understand both the author’s viewpoint and the author’s purpose. These help you figure out what the author thinks and why they wrote the text.

Author’s Viewpoint

The viewpoint is the author’s opinion or perspective on a topic. Sometimes the author tells you their opinion directly. Other times, they give clues through word choices, tone, or how they describe people or events. You have to look closely at what is said—and what’s not said—to figure out the author’s attitude.

Example:
In a passage about Prince Vlad Tepes, the author calls him “a wise and brave defender” despite his harsh reputation. That shows the author believes Vlad was misunderstood.
✅ Correct viewpoint answer: Vlad has been unfairly portrayed.

Author’s Purpose

The purpose is the author’s reason for writing. Most texts are written to do one or more of the following:

• Inform – give facts or explain something
• Persuade – convince the reader to do or believe something
• Entertain – tell a story or amuse the reader
• Express feelings or opinions

Example 1 – Informative Text:
A passage about the history of medical bloodletting gives facts, examples, and historical outcomes. The purpose is to inform.
✅ Correct answer: to inform readers about a subject.

Example 2 – Persuasive Letter:
A letter from Tonia to Rosa talks about a local book fair and ends by asking Rosa to help coordinate the event. Although it includes background information, the main purpose is to persuade Rosa to take on the role.
✅ Correct answer: to ask if Rosa would coordinate this year’s fair.