Assessing the author's viewpoint

You are trying to figure out what viewpoint the author is favoring.  This is not always obvious – in fact, it may not be obvious at all.    Let’s say the article is about the views of a Knesset member who opposes legalizing marijuana – the viewpoint of the MK (Member of Knesset) is obvious, because the author reports this in the article.   But does the AUTHOR give positive weight to the Knesset member’s viewpoint?  If you think so, then bring forth your evidence.  If you do not think so, then say that and bring forth your evidence.    

Here are some suggestions for figuring this out:

1. Notice what other “voices” or opinions or data is being included along with the reporting of the event itself.  These may be clues to the author’s point of view.  For example, does the author include scientific data showing that marijuana is injurious to health?  Or, does the author include anecdotal evidence from people who have found that marijuana use enhances their productivity?  Often, an author may end an article with an outlook that she/he favors – sometimes author’s put as the last point the one that she/he wants you to “take away.” 

2. Notice the language of the author: is the language respectful or contemptuous?  For example, are marijuana users called “potheads” or is a less pejorative term used?  

3. Are there illustrations/photos included that seem to support or deny points made by the MK’s view?  

4. Finally, one IMPORTANT way to help you assess viewpoint is to read multiple news sources for information about the same event.  You will likely see that the author told about the event in a different way.   I strongly recommend that you do this.  When you check out the same event in a different newspaper or online source, you MUST name and LINK that source.