For this activity, instead of taking a quiz, your assignment is to go read! A critical reader must be able to recognize and understand an author's point of view. Point of view is defined as a mental attitude from which a person views or judges something. Other terms for point of view are perspective and standpoint. A point of view can be favorable, unfavorable, or neutral. A writer's point of view leads to opinions and beliefs. While you may not agree with the author's point of view on a particular subject, it is important to maintain an open and questioning attitude.