Author’s Purpose

 Persuade: get the reader to agree with the author  Inform: give information or teach something  Entertain: provide enjoyment  Explain: give step-by-step directions

What is the author’s purpose? Rabbits make very good pets. They are quiet and are easy to keep in any room of the house. Rabbits can be left alone during the day without worry. Rabbits eat very little food and would be great for any family. Rabbits are the best pets! InformExplainPersuadeEntertain

What is the author’s purpose? Rabbits come in many different colors. Some people think all rabbits are white with red eyes. This is not true. Rabbits come in a rainbow of colors: black, brown, grey, red, orange and a mixture of every shade in between. PersuadeInformExplainEntertain

What is the author’s purpose? Rabbits do not need a large space to live in. You can build a large rabbit cage in a few simple steps. First, you will need to nail some screws into the bottom tray. Next you will attach wire so that it surrounds three sides of the cage. The wood back will hold the wire in place. PersuadeInformExplainEntertain

What is the author’s purpose? Peter Rabbit hopped down the trail until he got to Mr. MacGregor’s garden. He slipped under the gate and ran to the lettuce patch. The lettuce was sweet, crisp and delicious. Peter ate and ate and ate until he heard some footsteps walking towards the garden! EntertainExplainInformPersuade

Now let’s think about the AUTHOR’S VIEWPOINT.  What does the author want you to know or to think about the topic?  What is the author’s opinion or feeling about the topic?  Be on the lookout for words that give FACTS and those that tell OPINIONS.

Directions  Read the passage.  Look at the choices.  Choose the best answer.  Talk about your choice with your partner.  Write your answer on your whiteboard.

What is the author’s viewpoint about gym class? I wonder who made gym class? He was a great guy! It is a welcome break from sitting in chairs. In a recent poll, gym class was the favorite subject of students. I wish there was gym class more often! positivenegative

Try Again! Remember, the author’s viewpoint tells how s/he feels about a subject. Look at his/her word choices for help.

That’s Correct! You sure are smart about author’s viewpoint!

What is the author’s viewpoint about gym class? Gym class is such a waste of time! What is gym class good for anyway? Students are better off learning to read and do math. Some students have expressed what a pain it is to remember to wear sneakers twice a week. positivenegative

That’s Correct! You sure are smart about author’s viewpoint!

What is the author’s viewpoint about bees? Many people don’t like bees. However, without these helpful insects, we would not have many of our favorite flowers or fruits. When bees drink nectar from flowers, they carry away pollen. Bees leave the pollen on the next plant they visit. This helps create necessary new plants. positivenegative

That’s Correct! You sure are smart about author’s viewpoint!

What is the author’s viewpoint about bees? Many people don’t like bees. They are afraid of being stung. Lots of people are even allergic to bee stings. Then, they get a rash or take medicine if they get stung. Bees are always bothersome on a terrific summer day! positivenegative

That’s Correct! You sure are smart about author’s viewpoint!

What is the author’s viewpoint about full day kindergarten? The school day for kindergarteners is getting longer, and it's paying off in improved reading skills. This improvement will continue from elementary school to high school. These children will be able to get better jobs when they are adults. Favors full day Not in favor of full day

That’s Correct! You sure are smart about author’s viewpoint!

What is the author’s viewpoint about full day kindergarten? The trend toward full day kindergarten programs in public schools is hard on today’s young children. Recent studies show that improved reading skills may not last. The improvement in reading probably wont’ carry on as these children go through elementary school. Favors full day Not in favor of full day

That’s Correct! You sure are smart about author’s viewpoint!

What is the author’s viewpoint on people’s relationship with dolphins? Many cities have aquariums that have adopted orphaned dolphins found in the ocean. Many of these dolphins were wounded and would not have survived alone. Because of the kindness of humans these animals are alive today. People help dolphins. People hurt dolphins.

That’s Correct! You sure are smart about author’s viewpoint!

What is the author’s viewpoint on people’s relationship with dolphins? Dolphins have suffered from the carelessness of humans. Many dolphins are killed each year in fishing nets. Oil has been spilled into ocean water, polluting the dolphins' environment. People help dolphins. People hurt dolphins.

That’s Correct! You sure are smart about author’s viewpoint!

Congratulations! You have learned that the author’s word choices show how he/she feels about a topic!