Unit Plan 26 (Grade 7 ELA): Author’s Purpose and Point of View (Informational)

Focus: Purpose, point of view; how it shapes content and style

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational; Writing—Analysis)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Informational texts aren’t neutral by default. Authors write with a purpose for a specific audience, and their point of view (POV) shapes what they include and how they say it—tone, word choice, structure, and visuals. This week, students will identify an author’s purpose/POV, analyze how those choices shape content and style, and write a short analysis supported by textual evidence.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Determine an author’s purpose and point of view and analyze how these shape the text’s content (selection/emphasis) and style (tone, language, structure) (RI.7.6).
2. Cite several pieces of textual evidence (quotes/paraphrases with line or section references) to support analysis (RI.7.1).
3. Draw evidence from informational texts to write a focused analytical paragraph explaining how purpose/POV affects content and style (W.7.9b).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 7

• Reading Informational 7.6 (RI.7.6): Determine an author’s point of view or purpose and analyze how it is conveyed in the text.
• Reading Informational 7.1 (RI.7.1): Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis.
• Writing 7.9b (W.7.9b): Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis.

Success Criteria — student language

• I can name the author’s purpose (to inform, explain, analyze, persuade, call to action) and POV/stance.
• I can point to specific choices (loaded/neutral words, included/omitted facts, structure, tone, visuals) and explain their effect.
• I can write a clear claim and back it up with evidence from the text.