ENGLISH 9

UNDERSTANDING
THE AUTHOR’S
PURPOSE
February 27, 2024
DEFINITION OF TERMS
AUTHOR:
This pertains to the writer of a
book, article, or report.
Someone who writes
books/stories as a profession.

PURPOSE
The reason for which something is
done or created or for which
something exists
 AUTHOR’S PURPOSE: P.I.E.
The author’s purpose
refers to “why” the
Entertain Persuade
33.3% 33.3%

author wrote the article,

story, or novel.
It is the author’s intent
or purpose for writing
something.
Inform
33.3%
ENGLISH 9

PERSUADE
INFORM
ENTERTAIN
AUTHOR’S PURPOSE: PERSUADE

When the author writes to

persuade, he/she aims to
convince the reader to believe
a particular cause or point of
view.
Uses the three elements in
persuading, which are emotion,
logic, and trust.
The author tries to convince the
reader to do or believe
something.
 IT IS MOST
COMMONLY FOUND IN

1. Political Speech
2. An advertisement
3. A letter to the
editor
 HOW TO IDENTIFY A
PERSUASIVE AUTHOR’S
PURPOSE
1. Students should ask themselves if
they feel that the author is trying
to convince them or to take
action.
2. Repetition of a name or theory,
various types of supporting pieces
of evidence, forceful phrases,
emotive imagery, and
photographs.
AUTHOR’S PURPOSE: INFORM
The author gives you information
about the topic.

When an author aims to inform,

they usually wish to enlighten
their readership about a real-
world topic.
You can usually find this type of
author’s purpose in news articles,
scientific journals, and travel
guidebooks.
 HOW TO IDENTIFY AN
INFORMATIVE AUTHOR’S
PURPOSE
1. The author will use
facts, which is one of
the most obvious ways
to spot the intent to
inform.
AUTHOR’S PURPOSE: INFORM
When an author’s chief purpose is
to entertain the reader, they will
endeavor to keep things as
interesting as possible. Things
happen in books that are written
to entertain, whether in the form
of an action-packed plot,
inventive characterizations, or
sharp dialogue.
Commonly found in novels,
comedy television scripts, and a
stand-up comedy routine.
 HOW TO IDENTIFY AN
ENTERTAINING AUTHOR’S
PURPOSE
They may employ cliffhangers at the end of a
chapter, for example. They may weave
humour into their story or even have
characters tell jokes. In the case of a thriller,
an action-packed scene may follow an action-
packed scene as the drama builds to a
crescendo. Think of the melodrama of a soap
opera here rather than the subtle touch of an
arthouse masterpiece.