Author's Purpose and More

Why is it important to understand the author's purpose?

• It helps you determine the techniques he or she uses.

• It helps you interpret the meaning of the writing.

• It helps you identify if a book may be manipulative.

• It helps you figure out if it is informative writing.

What are the three purposes of an author?

• Persuade, interpret, and explain.

• Persuade, inform, and explain.

• Persuade, inform, and entertain.

• Persuade, interpret, and entertain.

How does an author entertain?

• By using emotional language and facts to hold the reader's attention.

• By occasionally using facts.

• By convincing the reader and, therefore, holding his/her attention.

• By telling a story.

What is the definition of bias?

• When a person prefers something over another thing.

• The quality of being trustworthy and believable.

• Misleading information that is used to manipulate.

• A person who is not influenced by personal feelings or opinions when reviewing facts.

What is the difference between objective and subjective?

• Subjective is when a person is influenced by personal feelings; objective is when a person is also influenced by personal feelings but to a lesser degree.

• Subjective is when a person is influenced by personal feelings; objective is when a person is not influenced by personal feelings.

• Objective is when a person is influenced by personal feelings; subjective is when a person is not influenced by personal feelings.

• Objective is when person is influenced by personal feelings; subjective is when a person is also influenced by personal feelings but to a lesser degree.

What is propaganda?

• A statement that can be proven true or false.

• An expression of a person’s feelings that cannot be proven.

•  Biased, misleading, or false information to promote a political cause or point of view.

• The quality of being trustworthy and believable.

What is another term for author's attitude?

• Mood.

• Credibility.

• Bias.

• Tone.

What is the definition of author's attitude?

• It is how the author feels towards his/her audience.

• It is how the author feels towards the quality of their work.

• It is how the author feels towards his/her topic.

• It is how the author shows bias towards his/her subject.

What is the best word to describe the author's attitude in the following passage:

The R.M.S. Titanic was cruising at 23 knots in the mid-Atlantic when it struck an iceberg and slowly sank. There were not enough lifeboats to save everyone. 1,523 people went down with the ship into water icy enough to cause instant pain and death by hypothermia within ten to fifteen minutes. After the stern of the ship disappeared beneath the glassy waters, 308 people remained bobbing on the surface, screaming for help. There were, in fact, 20 life boats lingering nearby, which failed to come to their rescue immediately. By the time lifeboat crewmen organized themselves and came back with just one boat, almost all in the water had died.

• Frightened.

• Tragic.

• Doubtful.

• Objective.

What is the best word to describe the author's attitude in the following passage:

The White Star Corporation was terribly arrogant to build a ship and not provide enough lifeboats for all its passengers. Its management was concerned that too many lifeboats on the Titanic would “sully the aesthetic beauty of the ship.” What were they thinking? No ship is unsinkable. And even more unforgivable is that, despite warnings of icebergs, the Titanic was cruising at top speed in order to break a speed record when it encountered the iceberg. What a horrific price those passengers had to pay so that the White Star Corporation could learn a lesson in humility.

• Outrage.

• Serious.

• Cruel.

• Worried.