Authors Purpose

Three types of authors purpose An author's purpose is the reason an author decides to write about a specific topic. Then, once a topic is selected, the author must decide whether his purpose for writing is to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain his ideas to the reader.

To inform: The writer’s purpose is to present and explain facts Examples: Expository Essays or Articles Instructions or Directions Encyclopedias or Other Reference Texts

TO ENTERTAIN To entertain: The writer’s purpose is to tell a good story or to share an experience or emotion Examples: Stories Poems Dramas Songs

TO PERSUADE The writer’s purpose is to persuade a reader to do something or to behave in a certain way Examples: Advertisements Campaign Speeches Persuasive Letters or Notes

Identifying the Author’s Purpose Here are three questions you can ask yourself when trying to identify the authors purpose: 1. Is the text a poem, play, or story? If the text is a poem, play, or story, then it’s safe to say that the author’s main purpose is to entertain readers. If the text is not a poem, play, or story, ask yourself the next question. 2. Does the text provide a lot of facts and information? If the text is primarily providing readers with facts and information, then we can conclude that the author’s main purpose in writing the text is to inform readers. If the text does not contain an abundance of what appears to be factual information, then go to the next question. 3. Is the text attempting to get the reader to do something? If the text contains many arguments and claims, or a call where the reader is urged to take action, then the author’s main purpose is to persuade. If the text does not appear to be persuasive, reanalyze the text and repeat the process.