Author's Purpose

Objectives
Student will be able to:
  • determine the author's purpose for writing and explain how the purpose is conveyed.
  • compare authors' purposes in informational texts that address similar topics.

Introduction
Did you know that everything you read, from a newspaper ad to a novel, has a purpose? The author's purpose is the reason for which a text was written.
 
The three main purposes for writing are to inform, to persuade, and to entertain the reader.  
 

You can better understand and evaluate what you read if you know the author's purpose.
 
Read the chart about author's purpose.
 
 
Sometimes, authors who write on the same topic might have different purposes for writing. For example, consider the following:
 
a)  Fresco painting is a technique of applying pigments to wet plaster on a flat surface such as a wall or ceiling. The term comes from the Italian word affresco, which means "fresh," since the plaster must be wet and freshly applied.
 
b)  Michelangelo's frescos on the ceiling of the Sistene Chapel are some of the most famous paintings in the world. In the central panels of the ceiling, nine scenes from the book of Genesis are depicted, including the celebrated image of the creation of Adam. Everyone who cares about art should make every effort to view this masterpiece.
 
Both of these passages are about frescos. What is the author's purpose in each one?
 
In passage A, the author is informing the reader of the definition of fresco painting. In passage B, the author describes a particular set of frescoes, and tries to persuade the reader to view them.

Examples
Read the following paragraph and think about whether the author's purpose is to inform, to persuade, or to entertain. 


 



1.
Does "Water Dogs" inform, persuade, or entertain? Write your answer in the box.
 

If you said inform, you're right. The author's main purpose is to teach you facts about labrador retrievers. If a passage included facts explaining why this breed makes a better pet than others, the purpose could be to persuade.


Now read another passage and think about the author's purpose.

   

2.
What text characteristics does this passage contain? Write your answer in the box.
 

This passage contains facts, as would be found in a passage written to inform. However, it also includes a call to action, which is one characteristic of passages written to persuade. The writer wants you to vote for her as student council president.


3.
Based on the text characteristics, what is the author's main purpose?
a. to entertain
b. to persuade
c. to inform
 

Did you choose b, to persuade? That's correct! Though the passage does provide information, the main goal is to persuade the reader to vote for the author.  


Try Together
Read the following passage and think about the author's main purpose. Then answer the questions that follow.
 
 

1.
Which of the following text characteristics is in this passage? Circle the correct answer.
a. instructions
b. rules
c. opinions
d. emotions
 
a.   instructions
 

2.
What is the author's main purpose? Respond in a complete sentence.
 
The author's main purpose is to inform the reader about how to make pizza dough.
 

3.
This type of writing is likely to be found in a science textbook. Circle the correct answer.
a. true b. false
 
b.   false
 

Match each writing situation on the left with the author's purpose. 
Writing Type
Author's Purpose
4.
a television show summary
a.
to inform
5.
a script for a comedy act
b.
to persuade
6.
a poster promoting a bake sale
c.
to entertain
Answer: 4-a, 5-c, 6-b,
 

7.
The purpose of a poem titled "New Kid in School" is to entertain the reader.  Circle the answer.
a. true b. false
 
a.   true
 

8.
The purpose of an Internet article titled "How to Collect Action Figures" is to persuade.  Circle the answer.
a. true b. false
 
b.   false
 

Please evaluate the student's answers:

Excellent

Good

Okay
 

Exhibit Preview Close

Main Purposes

Characteristics

Types of Text

to inform

 facts, dates, instructions, lists, rules textbooks, biographies, newspapers, cookbooks, pamphlets, encyclopedias, manuals

to entertain

real or imaginary characters, emotion, drama, storyline, conflict

 novels, short stories, poems, plays, comics

to persuade

 opinions, call to action, product endorsement television ads, magazine ads, election speeches, letters to the editor

Exhibit Preview Close
     You know what makes Edwardo's pizza taste great? It's their dough! So, here I am, ready to share how they make their secret pizza dough.
     First, they combine 1-1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with one package of active dry yeast and a teaspoon of salt. Then they add 1 cup of hot water. They mix these ingredients well. Then they slowly add flour until an elastic dough forms. Next, they place the dough in an oiled bowl. They cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it sit for one hour. The dough slowly rises.
     When the dough is ready, they punch it down. Then, they knead it slightly, toss it in the air, and twirl into a pizza crust.

Exhibit Preview Close
Water Dogs
 
     Labrador retrievers are known as water dogs. The dogs come in three colors; black, yellow, and brown, which is also called chocolate. They have a double coat of fur. The outside layer is a coarse, oily coat that protects their skin from water, while the fluffy inner coat protects them from cold.

Exhibit Preview Close
Campaign Promise
     Vote for me, Heather Candido, for student council president. I can get what you want. In running for student council, I have discovered that my classmates need and want an outdoor student area. This area could be built by the tech ed classes and landscaped by the botany classes. It could be used by all students to relax after lunch period, and it could be used as a comfortable place to read.
     As you can see, I support your needs and wants, so you should vote for me in the upcoming election.