E N D
It's test timeagain and you've just finished reading the first paragraph in the test booklet and are preparing to answer the questions. The first question? Piece of cake! It's a context clue. The second question? No problem! The answer's right there. The third one is a little harder - it's an inference question, but you still figure it out.
Whoa! What's this? Which of the following was the author's purpose in writing this? "To torture children who have to take these tests," you think grumpily, but that answer is not one of your choices...
Authors' purpose questions are another way of saying, "Why did the author write this anyhow, or what was the reason this piece was written?" Borrowed from: http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/Palmasola/rcap1.htm
How do I find the purpose?
There are many purposes for an author's writing. • to correct a misunderstanding • to show differing points of view • to review a film • to review a book • to inform • to perform a task • to sell • to inspire
Important reasons for author's to write: • Entertain • Instruct • Persuade • Describe
ENTERTAIN: THE AUTHOR TELLS A STORY THAT DESCRIBES SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IN AN INTERESTING WAY!
INSTRUCT The author will explain or teach something in the story that the reader doesn’t know. The author provides knowledge to the reader.
persuade The author tries to change our opinion on a topic by appealing to our emotions.
dark, shadowy figures Authors often describeto support other purposes in writing. They use it to create a character, set a mood or envision a scene. DESCRIBE hot and arid rolling waves
ASK YOURSELF: • Did the author try to make me laugh? Entertain • Did the author want to tell me a story? Entertain • Did the author try to amuse me? Entertain
ASK AGAIN: Did the author give me facts? Inform Did the author try to teach me something? Inform Did the author try to convince me? Persuade Did the author want to change my opinion? Persuade
Knowing the Author's Purpose • prepare your mind for the type of information in the reading • make the article easier to summarize • make it easier for you to discriminate between the article's main idea and important details Will: