1. Author’s Purpose and Point of View

2. What is the purpose? Everything you read has a purpose. It can be to: –Inform –Entertain –Persuade/influence/express an opinion/evaluate –Explain/instruct –Describe

3. Inform The reader will learn something about the selection Usually NON-FICTION Can be about: –Facts –Places –People –Dates –Details

4. Inform: Example Pretend you are a newly published at your first book signing. Write a speech that tells what your book is about and what inspired you to write it.

5. Persuade The author wants you to believe his/her position Usually NON-FICTION It is usually clear if the author is for or against the topic

6. Persuade: Example Write a note persuading your parents to buy you a new car when you turn 16. Be sure to explain the pros and cons of having a car at 16.

7. Entertain: The author is simply trying to entertain you (fun) These pieces are usually fiction Exist in many different forms

8. Entertain: Example Write about what life would be like if people grew wings and could fly

9. Explain The author is usually giving step-by step directions about something Usually NON-FICTION “How to”

10. Explain: Example Write step-by step instructions on how to make the perfect pizza.

11. Describe The author is trying to “paint a picture” for you with words (imagery) Depictions of characters, setting, scenes, etc. (lots of adjectives and/or sensory language) These pieces are usually fiction Exist in many different forms

12. Describe: Example Describe what it might feel like to parachute out of a high- flying airplane.

13. A piece of literature may have TWO or MORE purposes. For example, the author may want to persuade you to eat healthier meals, so he might write an article describing how fruits and vegetables provide energy, thus informing you of how good nutrition can improve your life.

14. What is the author’s point of view? The point of view is the opinion about the subject. The author will want you to see the subject through his eyes or through the eyes of one of his characters.

15. Author’s Point of View For some issues you will be able to tell if the author is for or against something – their bias. Be aware of author bias when reading pieces with a strong point of view. In fiction, point of view often gives the characters reasons for their actions. Authors sometimes show their point of view about a topic through the plot of fiction pieces.