* Point of View: This is the most basic element. Is the writer narrating from first person ("I"), third person limited ("he/she saw..."), or omniscient ("they knew...and she felt...")? The chosen point of view directly influences the stance.
* Tone: This refers to the writer's attitude conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and overall style. Is the tone formal, informal, humorous, serious, sarcastic, objective, subjective, etc.? The tone significantly shapes the reader's perception of the writer's stance.
* Level of Authority/Expertise: Does the writer present themselves as an expert, a peer, an outsider looking in, or someone questioning their own authority? This affects how credible the reader perceives the writing to be.
* Engagement with the audience: How does the writer address the reader? Is it a direct address ("You should consider..."), an indirect approach ("The evidence suggests..."), or a detached style? The writer's engagement shapes the reader's relationship with the text.
* Implicit vs. Explicit Stance: Sometimes a writer's stance is explicitly stated ("I believe that..."). Other times, it's implied through the choices the writer makes regarding tone, word choice, evidence presented, and the overall structure of the argument.
Understanding and analyzing the writer's stance is crucial for critical reading. It allows you to understand the motivations behind the writing, evaluate the validity of the claims made, and consider potential biases. A writer's stance significantly impacts the overall impact and effectiveness of their work.