Unit 8: Evaluating Books & Articles

Lesson 10: Perspective

Consider the perspective or point of view of the book or article you have found. Ask yourself the following questions to determine the author’s perspective.

1. What is the author’s point of view? Does the author have an objective, impartial perspective, or does the author express an opinionated, subjective point of view? Could the author have a conflict of interest? Biased information is not necessarily unreliable, but you must take the bias into account when using the resource.
2. Does the author try to be objective? Does the author present information from multiple perspectives? Is the information balanced? Consider the evidence that the author provides, and what the author omits.
3. What is the author’s tone? Does the author use emotionally charged language to make his or her argument, or is the author emotionally detached? Is the author’s tone serious and scholarly?
   

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