Author’s Purpose

Definition The reason that the author wrote the story.

Types of Purposes Inform- to give information or teach Persuade- to get you to agree with an opinion or perform a certain action Entertain- to tell a story that is fun/interesting to read

Strategies to determine purpose Try to find facts and/or opinions in a passage. Facts>Opinions= Informative Facts<Opinions= Persuade OR Entertain

You tell me! Fact Opinion Abraham Lincoln was a great president. Marilyn Monroe was an actress. Charles Lindbergh was brave to attempt to fly solo across the Atlantic. Being a celebrity is an easy life.

You try it! There are many pets a child can have, but a dog is the best one of all! The reasons that this is true are numerous. They are always willing to play, they are loyal, and they are protective (the best reason). Have you ever seen a hamster try to protects its owners’ house?

Again! My best friends are weird! One of my friends loves it when it snows. Each winter, she waits for it to snow. When it does, she immediately grabs her suitcase and runs outside to catch as many snowflakes as she can. She is convinced that catching them will allow her to keep them forever.

Again! The Underground Railroad was a secret organization, which helped slaves to escape to freedom. Many slaves attempted an escape so that they could move to the north, where they were considered “free.”

Real World Examples

TV Examples The Walking Dead Dateline Ax Men Axe Commercials