Author’s Purpose

Objective: Define Author’s Purpose

and Identify the Author’s Purpose in
a given text.
What is Author’s Purpose?
 It is the reason why an
author writes a story

 We all have reasons why

we do the things we do.

 Authors write to inform,

persuade, entertain, or
describe situations to
their readers.
Writing to Inform-

 When author’s write to inform, they write

about a topic in which they want the
reader to learn information.

 Examples: Volcanoes, Spiders, Let’s Go

Rocking and Rolling
Writing to Inform-

 There are many creatures that live in the

sea. Some fish live in shallow water and
some live in the deepest part of the sea.
These fish come in a variety of shapes,
sizes, and colors. Today, many new
creatures are still being discovered.

 What is the author informing you about?

Writing to Persuade-

 When author’s write to persuade, they

want to make you agree with them about
a certain topic.

 Example: Magazines, Letters,

Newspapers, commercials, etc.
Writing to Persuade-

 Brushy brooms are the best you can buy!

Everyone must have one in their homes.
Whether you are sweeping indoors or
outdoors, you will do a better job with a
Brushy broom!

 What is the author trying to persuade you

to do?
Writing to Describe-

 When author’s write to describe, they talk

about the way an object looks, tastes,
smells, feels, or what it does.
Writing to Describe-

 Chocolate cake is usually eaten for

dessert. It is dark brown with chocolate
icing. On the inside it is very moist and
flaky. It is also tasty and sweet.

 What is the author describing in the

story?
Writing to Entertain-

 When author’s write to entertain, they

write stories to make you laugh, cry, or to
enjoy.

 Examples: Spiderman, Cheetah Girls,

Movies
Writing to Entertain-

 Sally bought some apples

from a farmer down the road.
She took some home for dinner
for her and her pet toad.

 How is the author trying to entertain

you?
A $5,897,321 Question!!!

 What is the Author’s Purpose for writing

the following story?

 Every child should be able to watch 10

hours of TV each day. One can learn a lot
from the educational programs that are
on. One can also enjoy a lot of great
movies too. Ask your parents today.
And the Answer is?

 The author is writing to persuade you to

ask your parents if you can watch 10
hours of TV each day.