GCSE English Language - Free Resources
Language Effects

The Writer’s Viewpoint

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IN THIS LESSON

English Language Essentials

How to Identify the Writer's Viewpoint
To identify the writer’s viewpoint, you should look for:

  • Tone: The overall attitude of the writer—whether they sound positive, negative, neutral, etc.

  • Language choices: Words or phrases that express strong emotions or opinions.

  • Evidence or examples: The writer may support their viewpoint with specific examples or facts, but it is important to remember that these may still reflect their personal bias.

  • Introduction and Conclusion: Often, the writer’s viewpoint is clear in the introduction, where they state their opinion or in the conclusion, where they summarise their attitude or final thoughts.

Scenic viewpoint

Example from a Text:
In an article about school uniforms, the writer expresses their viewpoint about how uniforms help create equality among students. The writer uses simple language to show their opinion that uniforms are positive for schools.


Ties for school uniform

Further Details

Repetition in Viewpoints
One way that writers emphasise their viewpoint is through the repetition of words or ideas. Repetition reinforces the writer’s attitude, helping to convey their emotions more powerfully.

For example, in an article supporting school uniforms, the writer might repeat phrases like "uniforms create equality" to make it clear how important they believe this point is.


lots of identical statues

English Language Activity

Activity: Identifying Viewpoint and Repetition

Read the excerpt from an article below and answer the questions:

"School uniforms are essential for maintaining equality among students. When everyone wears the same uniform, it reduces the pressure to wear expensive clothes. Uniforms promote unity, ensuring that all students are treated equally, regardless of their background or wealth."

  1. What is the writer's viewpoint in this excerpt?

  2. How does the writer use repetition in this text? What effect does it have?

  3. What words or phrases indicate the writer’s positive attitude towards school uniforms?

two boys in class with same uniform
Exercise group outside

Bonus Activity

Bonus Activity: Evaluating the Writer's Viewpoint in a Text

Here is a short passage for you to evaluate:

"Exercise is important for staying healthy. People who exercise regularly feel better and have more energy. It helps prevent many health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise is a key part of a healthy lifestyle."

  1. What is the writer’s viewpoint on exercise?

  2. How does the writer support their viewpoint?

  3. Do you think the writer’s viewpoint is persuasive? Why or why not?

Knowledge Check/Review

What is a viewpoint?

  • A viewpoint is the writer’s attitude or opinion on a specific subject.

  1. How can you identify a writer's viewpoint?

    • Look for the tone, language choices, repetition, and examples the writer uses.

  2. True or False: A writer’s viewpoint is always a fact.

  3. Why is it important to recognise a writer’s viewpoint?

    • Recognising a writer’s viewpoint helps you understand their perspective and the purpose behind the text.

  4. What effect does repetition have in writing?

    • Repetition emphasises the writer's feelings, strengthens their viewpoint, and draws attention to key ideas.

city viewpoint with binoculars

Answers

Activity: Identifying Viewpoint and Repetition

  1. The writer’s viewpoint: The writer believes school uniforms are beneficial because they create equality among students.

  2. Repetition: The writer repeats the idea of "equality" and "uniforms" to stress the importance of these points in their argument.

  3. Words/phrases indicating attitude: "Essential," "reduce pressure," "promote unity," and "treated equally" all show the writer’s positive attitude towards uniforms.

Bonus Activity: Evaluating the Writer's Viewpoint in a Text

  1. Writer’s viewpoint on exercise: The writer believes exercise is essential for maintaining health.

  2. Support for the viewpoint: The writer explains that exercise prevents health problems and gives people more energy.

  3. Effectiveness of the viewpoint: The viewpoint is persuasive because the writer provides clear reasons for the benefits of exercise. However, it could be more persuasive with specific examples or evidence.

Knowledge Check/Review Answers

  1. A viewpoint is a personal opinion or attitude on a subject.

  2. Look for tone, language choices, repetition, and examples.

  3. False – A viewpoint is not a fact.**

  4. Recognising a viewpoint helps you understand the writer's perspective and intent.

  5. Repetition emphasises the writer's feelings and makes key points stand out.