WHY


The Purpose of
Writing
Objective: Define what is the
purpose of writing and Identify the
Purpose in a given text.
• Persuade convince
• Inform give facts
• Entertain fiction
• Compare two or more
• Express feelings
• Describe Senses/features
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.
 Written to give information or describe
something. Authors use facts and reasons to
get the point across.
 Examples:
 Textbooks
 News articles
 Informational Brochures
 Encyclopedias
 Schedules, charts, instructions
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.
 Written convince you to change your
thinking, spend money, support a cause, or
offer a solution to a problem
 Example:
 Advertisements/Commercials
 Political Speeches
 Church sermons or literature
 Opinion Editorials
 Movie or book reviews
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!
VOTE

 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.
 Written to interest the reader, or appeal to
emotions such as pleasure, sadness, anger, or
humor.
 Examples:
Fiction books and other stories
Plays and movies
Comic strips
Video games
Sports articles or programs
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?
Writing to Express-
Written to share a writer’s feelings or
express opinions.

Examples
Poetry
Songs
Blogs
Love letters
Journals and diaries
Letters to the editor
Writing to Compare-
Examines the way two or more things are alike or
different. Can have a secondary purpose to
either inform or persuade.

Examples
Comparison essays
Political analysis
Consumer or product reports
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.