Point of View and Purpose

Point of View and Purpose questions are always included in the Language GED test.

This lesson is a part of Onsego GED Prep.

Video Transcription

When you’re taking the GED Language test, you’ll often need to figure out what the author’s point of view and purpose are. These are really important because they help you understand why the passage was written and what the author is trying to communicate.

Let’s talk about point of view first. This is all about the author’s perspective or stance on the topic. Basically, it’s what the author believes or is advocating for. So, as you read, ask yourself, “What does the author think about this issue?”

For example, imagine you’re reading a passage about a character who loves the countryside. It might go something like this:

“Emma always felt at peace when she walked through the rolling hills of the countryside. The city was too noisy, too crowded, but here in the open fields, she could breathe deeply and feel free.”

In this case, it’s clear that the author has a positive view of rural life. The passage shows a preference for the peacefulness of the countryside over the busyness of the city.

Now, let’s move on to the purpose. This is all about why the passage was written.

What is the motivation for writing this text? Are the authors trying to inform you about something, persuade you to think a certain way, entertain you with a story, or simply express their feelings?

Let’s say you’re reading a passage where a character is reflecting on their childhood. It might say:

“As I sit by the fire, the memories of my childhood come flooding back—days spent playing in the sun, laughter echoing through the trees. Those were the happiest times of my life, and I often wish I could go back, just for a moment, to feel that joy again.”
Here, the purpose is to express nostalgia for the past. The author wants to evoke feelings of longing and reflection on the happiness of childhood.

Alright, let’s put this into practice with a quick example:

Imagine you’re reading a passage like this:

Sarah stared out the window of the crowded bus, wishing she could be anywhere but here. The noise of the city felt overwhelming, and the endless rush of people made her feel invisible. She longed for the quiet of her small hometown, where everyone knew her name and the pace of life was slower. But here she was, stuck in the hustle and bustle, feeling like just another face in the crowd.

Now, if the GED test asks you what the primary purpose of this passage is, here are some choices you might see:

1. A) To convince readers that city life is exciting and full of opportunities
   B) To entertain readers with a story about Sarah’s experiences in the city
   C) To express Sarah’s longing for the peace of her hometown
   D) To inform readers about the challenges of public transportation

In this case, the best answer would be C) To express Sarah’s longing for the peace of her hometown. The passage is really focused on how Sarah feels about missing her quiet hometown and how the city just doesn’t feel right to her. The author is trying to express that sense of longing.

So, just remember: point of view is about what the author believes or supports, and purpose is about why the passage was written and what the author is trying to achieve. By keeping these ideas in mind, you’ll have a much easier time answering questions on the GED test. Now, let’s dive into some more passages and keep building those skills!

Last Updated on January 15, 2026.