MAP 5th Grade Reading

MAP 5th Grade Reading helps students build strong reading skills, understand complex texts, and apply reading strategies for success in school and life.

Advanced Topics

Analyzing Author's Purpose and Point of View

Why Did the Author Write This?

Every piece of writing has a purpose—maybe to inform, entertain, or persuade. Understanding the author's purpose helps you know why the text was written and what the author wants you to think or feel.

Point of View

Point of view is who is telling the story or sharing the information. It can be first-person ("I" or "we"), second-person ("you"), or third-person ("he," "she," "they").

How to Analyze

  • Look for clue words (like "I" for first-person).
  • Think about how the purpose affects the details the author includes.
  • Ask, "Is this story trying to teach me, make me laugh, or change my mind?"

Real-World Applications

When you watch commercials, the purpose is usually to persuade. When you read a comic book, it's often to entertain.

Examples

  • A science textbook uses facts to inform readers about volcanoes.

  • A mystery novel is written in first-person to make you feel part of the adventure.

In a Nutshell

Authors write for reasons and from specific viewpoints.

Key Terms

Author's Purpose
The reason an author writes: to inform, entertain, or persuade.
Point of View
The perspective from which a story is told.