Author's Purpose

Objectives
Student will be able to:
  • determine the author's purpose, or motive, for writing.
  • explain how text characteristics, such as word choice, syntax, and organization, further the author's purpose.

Introduction
Authors write for various reasons or purposes. Knowing the author's purpose for writing helps a reader to evaluate what the author has written.
 
The three purposes for which an author most commonly writes are:
  • to inform
  • to persuade
  • to entertain
Writing that informs provides the reader with facts in order to explain or teach about a particular topic. It may include key words, definitions, or section headings.

Writing that persuades is aimed at convincing the reader to agree with the author's point of view on a subject. Facts can be used to support the argument, but the opinion is the primary goal for the text. Writers may include strong, persuasive words such as should or best.

Writing to entertain sparks the reader's imagination. Authors use this purpose in a variety of ways. Poems, plays, and short stories are all meant to entertain the reader.
 
Read the Author's Purpose Chart to learn more about text characteristics and types of text for each author's purpose.
 
 

Examples
Read the following short passage and answer the questions that follow.



1.
Which of the following text features or characteristics does the passage contain? Circle the correct answer. 
a. facts and call to action
b. storyline and emotions
c. characters and dialogue
d. facts and directions
 

a.   facts and call to action
The writer provides facts about volunteering. The last sentence lets you know the author is calling for action.


2.
What is the author's purpose for this passage? Circle the correct answer.
a. to inform
b. to persuade
c. to entertain
 

b.   to persuade
The writer wants to convince his readers to volunteer for some form of community service.


Try Together
Read the passage, and keep in mind the author's purpose as you read. Then answer the questions that follow by circling the letter of the correct option or highlighting as required.



1.
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?
a.   to inform
b.   to persuade
c.   to entertain
 
c.   to entertain
 

2.
Highlight the first sentence that indicates what the author's purpose is.

Watching a young child in pursuit of an old cat reveals quite a bit about both the child and the cat.
 

3.
The author reaches his or her goal by including all of the following except
a.   character development.
b.   conflict between characters.
c.   facts about cats.
d.   dialogue between characters.
 
c.   facts about cats.
 

Answer the following questions about author's purpose.
4.
The book, magazine, or other written material in which an author's writing appears is referred to as the text or source of the writing. In which of the following texts might you find a passage that tries to persuade the reader? Circle the correct answer.
a.   an encyclopedia
b.   the editorial page of a newspaper
c.   a magazine
d.   an operator's manual
 
b.   the editorial page of a newspaper
 

5.
List three different types of sources or texts that inform.
 
Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:
  • encyclopedia
  • textbook
  • manual
  • dictionary
  • magazine articles
  • news articles
  • cookbook
 

Please evaluate the student's answers:

Excellent

Good

Okay
 

Exhibit Preview Close

Main Purposes

Characteristics

Types of Text

to inform

 facts, details, descriptions, instructions, lists, rules, charts textbooks, biographies, newspapers, magazines, cookbooks, pamphlets, encyclopedias, manuals

to entertain
real or imaginary characters, emotion, drama, storyline, dialogue,
conflict, an appeal to the senses
novels, short stories, poems, plays, comics

to persuade

 opinions, some facts, call to action, product endorsement television and magazine ads, election speeches, letters to the editor, personal essays, editorials

Exhibit Preview Close
     Watching a young child in pursuit of an old cat reveals quite a bit about both the child and the cat. Recently, a friend of mine brought her two-year-old granddaughter, Maya, to visit. Maya was dressed in a frilly Sunday dress and black patent leather shoes. She entered the living room quietly and sat very close to her grandmother. Then Sam, my cat, strolled in from the dining room to investigate.
     Sam peeked around the corner of the sofa, hoping to see the new arrivals without being noticed. Maya, however, was too quick for Sam. As quickly as the cat pulled his head back behind the sofa, Maya was on her feet and in full pursuit around and around the sofa.
     Now, Sam is not used to people younger than twenty, so this experience was not without stress. When he took shelter under the dining room table, Maya hesitated. She looked at her grandmother as if for permission to enter the strange room.    
     Grandmother said, "Maya, the cat is tired. He's resting." 
     Without skipping a beat, Maya replied, "I don't think so," and leaned as far into the archway of the dining room as she could without actually setting foot beyond the door. Taking a cue from Maya's grandmother, Sam pretended to sleep.

Exhibit Preview Close
     Becoming involved in a community service organization is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get an opportunity to help those in need and improve your neighborhood, you also meet people like yourself who think such activities are important. There are a variety of organizations that take on such assignments as neighborhood cleanup, delivering meals to shut-ins, visiting the elderly, mentoring school children, and working with the disabled. Get your reward. Volunteer now.