Author's Purpose

Author's Purpose: the reason an author writes

​

​​Ask: Why did the author write this?

​Think: PIE'ED

​P: PERSUADE

​I: INFORM

​E: ENTERTAIN

​E: EXPLAIN

​D: DESCRIBE

Multiple Choice

What are some reasons author's write?

• to persuade and entertain

• only to inform

• to persuade, inform, entertain, explain, or describe

• to confuse you

• t

​Authors write to persuade

​- this is when author's are trying to convince you of something

​-author's want you to share their opinion

​-they might want you to buy something, donate money, or vote for someone they like

​-ads are examples of writers trying to persuade you

​-Example: Dogs are man's best friend. They are loyal. They will always love you. Dogs are the best pet anyone can have. If you don't have a dog, you need to get one.

​Authors write to inform:

​- this is when the author gives us information about a topic

​-the author will give us facts

​-nonfiction texts give information

​-Example: Christopher Columbus is a famous explorer and navigator. He made four trips across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain. Columbus was determined to find a direct water route west from Europe to Asia. He did not succeed.

Multiple Choice

What is the author's purpose?

• to entertain

• to persuade

• to describe

• to inform

• t

Multiple Choice

What is the author's purpose?

• to explain

• to persuade

• to describe

• to inform

​Authors write to entertain

​-they write stories you will enjoy

​

​

​

​- Examples include: narratives, songs, poems, fiction stories, plays

​Authors write to explain

​-they write to tell you how something works

​

​-they might give a list

​

​-they might give instructions

​

​- they write to tell you how to do something or how something works

Multiple Choice

Which best describes the author's purpose for writing this text?

• to persuade

• to explain

• to describe

• to entertain

Multiple Choice

The author's purpose in these examples is to-

• describe

• persuade

• entertain

• inform

Multiple Choice

It was a glorious morning in Alabama. The sun was shining through the trees. Alan couldn't wait to find his fishing pole and call his friend Sam to go fishing. They had a great time on these early morning fishing trips. They took their dogs with them and the dogs would swim in the lake while they fished. It was so funny to watch those dogs paddle around the lake.

What is the author's purpose?

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

Multiple Choice

HAMSTERS FOR SALE: Braxton Pet Store, Northwood Mall:  We have a large selection of hamsters for sale this week.  They are fantastic pets and you will enjoy having one!  They are only $17.99 this week.  Come and buy yours today before they're all gone!

What is the author's purpose of this writing?

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain

​Conclusion

​Author's write for MULTIPLE reasons.

​

​

​

​An author CAN have more than one reason for writing a text.

Open Ended

Take one minute, 30 seconds each, to tell your partner about the reasons author's write. Then, type your answer to the following question.

What is author's purpose?