1. 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Chapter 8: Point of View
Bridging the Gap, 9/e
Brenda Smith
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

2. 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

3. What is the Author’s Point of View?
Author’s opinions and theories that influence their
presentation of the subject matter
Point of View
Suggests thoughtfulness and openness.
Bias
Facts are slanted toward the author’s personal belief.
An opinion or position on a subject.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

4. What is the Reader’s Point of View
Alternative Arguments
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.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

5. 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?
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

6. 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
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

7. 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

8. 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.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

9. What is the Author’s Purpose?
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

10. 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.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

11. 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

12. 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.
Evasive, abstruse: avoiding or confusing the issue.
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

13. Recognizing Author’s Tone Part (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

14. Recognizing Author’s Tone Part (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

15. Recognizing Author’s Tone Part (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

16. Recognizing Author’s Tone Part (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

17. 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

18. To interpret an editorial cartoon, ask:
What is this about? (general topic)
Who or what is represented by the images shown?
What is the main point that the cartoonist is trying to get across?
What is the tone of the cartoon?
What is the cartoonist’s purpose?
What is the cartoonist’s point of view or position on the subject?
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

19. 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

20. 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Search the Net
For suggested Web sites and other research activities, go to
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

21. Vocabulary Booster vocabulary booster
Complete the Vocabulary Booster Exercises entitled “Say, What?”
vocabulary booster
2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers