Author's Purpose

The rain barrel was about 40” tall and could hold more than fifty gallons of water. It was reddish-brown in color, similar to the color of adobe. The top was sloped into a narrow opening and a spigot protruded near the bottom where a hose could be attached.

• persuade
• inform
• entertain

Nothing to do tonight? Why not see a play? The theater is alive and well, and tickets are available. Call the ticket hotline now and reserve your seats.

• persuade
• inform
• entertain

The next time you turn on the water tap, consider the people around the world—and even in your own country— who are suffering from a lack of water. Everyone, including you, must do his or her part to conserve water.

• persuade
• inform
• entertain

Many people dream of an acting career, but few have the follow-through to take the steps that will make that dream a reality. The first step to becoming an actor is to train. Actors are not born with acting skills; they study and practice. Next, have professional photos taken of yourself. Whenever you audition for a part, leave behind a photo.

• entertain
• persuade
• inform

In a recent survey of parents of children in grades 1-8, more than half of the parents agreed that students are overburdened with homework. These parents favored mandating less homework in local schools.

• persuade
• entertain
• inform

Built in 1919, the Parker Theater was once the height of luxury but has fallen into disrepair. Shreds of what was a plush velvet curtain hang from a bowed crossbar in the front of the state. Gold, red, and purple paint flakes fall from the walls and ceiling. The rows of seats, once upholstered in red velvet, are now dull brown.

• inform
• persuade
• entertain

For many years, people had two choices when it came time to buy a computer: PC or Mac. It’s time for a third choice. The next time you’re in the market for a new computer, consider a Guppy Computer. The Guppy combines the features you love from both PCs and Macs into one, easy-touse, affordable machine. Get a Guppy today!

• inform
• entertain
• persuade

Lewis stared at the blank screen. Dead. His computer was dead. “I have to finish my paper tonight,” he thought, as panic slowly sunk in. “How am I going to do that?” Lewis’s mind raced. He tried to think of how he could get his work done. His little sister wandered by. “How long will it be?” she asked. Lewis looked at her blankly. “Until the power comes back?” she said. Lewis sighed with relief.

• persuade
• inform
• entertain

Janet sighed as she tossed her heavy backpack onto her bed. “Another long night of homework,” she thought. “And I wanted to watch TV tonight!”

• persuade
• entertain
• inform

Christopher and Lena splashed through the puddles, laughing at the fat raindrops that fell from the sky. Lena remembered a song she’d learned in preschool and began to sing, “It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring…”

• persuade
• inform
• entertain