CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.6
The Standard
Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
Students need to identify what the author believes, wants, or is trying to make readers think or do. Then they need to explain how the author’s word choices, examples, tone, structure, and rhetorical moves push that purpose forward.
Mastery looks like citing specific lines and naming the effect, not just saying “the author is persuasive.” Students often mix up topic with purpose, or spot a device without explaining how it works. They also struggle when the tone is subtle or the argument is implied.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a marked-up op-ed and have them color-code claims, loaded words, evidence, and appeals to emotion, logic, or credibility.
- Ask students to write: What does the author want readers to believe, and which three choices most help make that happen?
- Use a short exit ticket with one paragraph, asking for the author’s purpose, one rhetorical move, and its effect on readers.
- Bring in a school policy letter or public service ad and have students explain how it tries to shape audience opinion.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.6
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.