Which reading strategy aligns with understanding an author's purpose and point of view?

• A. Analyzing author's purpose and perspective
• B. Citing Evidence
• C. Determine meaning of words in context
• D. Identifying main idea

Answer: (A)

Understanding an author's purpose and point of view means figuring out why the author wrote the text and what stance they take. This strategy helps you see not just what is said, but why it’s said and from whose angle, which shapes the meaning and impact of the writing. You look for clues in tone, the kinds of evidence chosen, what is highlighted or left out, and who the intended audience might be. Those clues reveal the author’s goals—whether to persuade, inform, or entertain—and any biases that color the presentation.

Citing evidence is useful for supporting claims and understanding specifics, but it doesn’t by itself reveal why the author wrote the piece or how their perspective shapes the message. Determining the meaning of words in context focuses on vocabulary and nuance, not the author’s overall aim or stance. Identifying the main idea centers on the core claim, which is important, yet it doesn’t fully uncover the author’s intent or point of view behind why that idea is being presented.