3. Author Perspective and Point of View

Author Perspective questions ask you to identify the author's attitude, stance, or purpose -- not just what the passage says, but how and why the author says it. You must distinguish the author's own voice from the voices of sources the author cites.

Sample passage:
"Dr. Ellis argues that standardized testing is an indispensable measure of academic readiness. While her data are compelling, critics note that a single exam score captures only a narrow slice of student potential. A more nuanced assessment framework, one that incorporates teacher evaluations and project-based work, would serve students far better."

Identifying author attitude:

• Look for evaluative adjectives: compelling, flawed, insightful, limited.
• Look for hedging language: while, although, despite -- these signal the author is about to qualify or contradict the preceding idea.
• The author's thesis is usually the final or near-final sentence of a passage.

Distinguishing author voice from cited sources:
In the sample, Dr. Ellis argues for standardized testing -- that is her view. The author's own position appears in the last sentence (a "more nuanced framework"). The author acknowledges Ellis's data but ultimately disagrees with her conclusion.

Worked example:
"Which choice best describes the author's perspective on standardized testing?"
The author calls Ellis's data "compelling" (a concession) but then advocates for a "more nuanced" approach. The author's view is that standardized testing is insufficient on its own -- a position of qualified skepticism.

⚠️ Common mistake: attributing a cited source's view to the author. Always ask: does the author endorse this view or merely report it?

💡 Tip: underline every verb of attribution (argues, claims, contends, suggests). Sentences without such verbs are usually the author speaking directly.