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- Reading non-fiction: viewpoint
Reading non-fiction: viewpoint
GCSE Paper 2 and International GCSE Paper 1 use non-fiction texts. You need to spot what the writer thinks and how they try to convince you.
Purpose, audience and viewpoint
Ask: Why was it written? To inform, argue, persuade, advise or entertain.
Who is it for?
What does the writer think? That is their viewpoint.
Who is it for?
What does the writer think? That is their viewpoint.
A practice extract
This extract was written for GCSE-ready.
Fact, opinion and tone
A fact can be proved. An opinion is a belief.
Tone is the writer's attitude, for example angry, humorous, worried or sarcastic.
Tone is the writer's attitude, for example angry, humorous, worried or sarcastic.
What is the writer's viewpoint about parents driving to school?
- Look at the question "Are we really so busy...?". It suggests the excuse is weak.
- "We are the ones putting them there" blames parents.
- So the writer thinks driving to school is harmful and unnecessary.
Answer: The writer disapproves and wants parents to walk instead.
Work out purpose, audience and viewpoint. Separate fact from opinion. Describe the tone with a precise word and back it up with a quotation.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
Check you have got it
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