ASVAB CampAuthor Purpose and Point of View flashcards
8 cards with the formulas, rules and traps from this lesson. Answer in your head, then flip to check.
Rule · 1/8
How should you state an author's purpose?
As an action verb plus the topic: 'to explain how solar panels make electricity.' A topic alone ('solar panels') is not a purpose.
Term · 2/8
Informative versus persuasive passage
Informative passages present facts and let readers decide. Persuasive passages push toward a belief or action, often with should, must, ought or a clear judgment.
Term · 3/8
Tone: what is it and how do you detect it?
The attitude the writing expresses, shown by diction (word choice) and framing (what is emphasized). Point to the exact feeling words; if none appear, the tone is likely neutral.
Rule · 4/8
A passage quotes the mayor saying a plan will save money. Is that the author's view?
Not necessarily. It is the mayor's view. The author's stance appears in unattributed judgments or in an evaluation of the quote, such as calling it convincing or doubtful.
Term · 5/8
Skeptical versus dismissive tone
Skeptical: questions a claim and wants better evidence but stays open. Dismissive: rejects the claim as unworthy, often with scornful words like absurd or nonsense.
Strategy · 6/8
How do concession words like although or however reveal stance?
Writers often grant the other side a point, then give their own view after the turn. In 'Although it saves fuel, it strands night workers,' the main stance follows the turn.
Term · 7/8
What is a rhetorical question and what does it signal?
A question asked for effect, not information, e.g. 'How long must commuters wait?' meaning they have waited too long. It usually signals a persuasive purpose.
Common trap · 8/8
A letter urges the council to fund a crosswalk. Does that show the council agreed?
No. That confuses intent with effect. The passage shows a purpose to persuade, not a result; reject choices claiming outcomes the text never reports.