The writer’s opinion or reader’s response

At higher levels you may be asked to consider the writer’s opinion or to give your opinion about a text.

• Does the type of text help you understand the writer’s aim? e.g. a story is to entertain, a leaflet is to advertise and a report is to inform.
• Look for language in the text that indicates the writer’s intention. e.g. ‘We should use ...’, ‘Experts warn us that ...’ to advise.
• Look for language in the text that indicates the writer’s opinion. e.g.  ‘In my view ...’, ‘I refuse to believe that ...’, etc.
• To give your opinion use language such as ‘In my view ...’, ‘I believe ...’, etc.
• Do you agree or disagree with things in the text? Explain why with your own words. ‘I agree that ... because ...’.