Vocabulary Terms for Author's Purpose

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Author's Purpose

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The reason an author writes a text: to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain.

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CONVINCE

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convince

verb

to make someone believe something.

The doctor tried to convince Rajiv to do physical therapy instead of surgery.

Synonyms persuade

Antonyms discourage, dissuade

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DESCRIBE

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describe

verb

to explain or write about something so that it can be easily visualized.

He wanted to describe the book to his grandmother with enough detail that she could picture it exactly.

Synonyms tell, portray, characterize

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EDITORIAL

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editorial

noun

an essay, article or radio or television comment that expresses the opinion of the writer, editor, publisher or network.

I read an editorial in the newspaper today. The author expressed the opinion that we should build more national parks.

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ENTERTAIN

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entertain

verb

to provide amusement for someone.

The rock star loves to entertain her crowd at her concerts, so she tells funny stories between songs.

Synonyms amuse

Antonyms bore

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FACT

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fact

noun

something real or true.

A fact about my great-grandfather is that he was born in 1922.

Synonyms reality, actuality, truth

Antonyms fiction

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FICTION

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fiction

noun

a story that has been made up or invented by the author.

She read a lot of fiction about superheroes who save the world.

Synonyms fable, fabrication, fantasy

Antonyms nonfiction, fact, reality

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INFORM

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inform

verb

to tell someone about something; to impart knowledge to.

The teacher liked to inform his students about why mathematical properties work.

Synonyms tell, notify

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OPINION

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opinion

noun

a belief, judgment or thought about something or someone.

Not everyone will agree but, in my opinion, Kendrick Lamar is the best rapper.

Synonyms viewpoint, belief, view

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PERSUADE

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persuade

verb

to make someone believe or do something.

I thought I knew which car I wanted. But the salesperson offered several reasons and was able to persuade me to change my mind.

Synonyms convince