Identify Author's Purpose

Read the text. Wildgrove High School's annual arts festival will take place June 1 at the Wildgrove Performing Arts Center. On display will be paintings, sculpture, collages, and drawings. In addition to these works of art, which will remain on display for one year, the festival will feature several music events. A special guest will perform a violin solo, and more than three hundred students will perform a variety of instrumental and vocal selections. Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?

• to inform readers about the arts festival

• to explain how to get to the arts festival

Review the text. Dribbling is a fundamental soccer skill. You can master it by first learning how to make gentle contact, or "touch," with the ball. When players use gentle touches, they contact the ball more often, which leads to greater control. Another key to controlling the ball is keeping it close to your feet, or "shielding." This makes it harder for other players to intercept the ball. Now you're ready to dribble. Begin by gently passing the ball back and forth using the insides of your feet. Remember to keep your head up while dribbling so you know where you are on the field. With time and practice, you'll gain speed and control. Which best shows that the author's purpose is to teach readers how to dribble a soccer ball?

• The author lists specific steps that the readers should take turns to learn how to dribble a soccer ball.

• The author argues that dribbling is a fundamental soccer skill.

Review the text. Wildgrove High School's annual arts festival will take place June 1 at the Wildgrove Performing Arts Center. On display will be paintings, sculpture, collages, and drawings. In addition to these works of art, which will remain on display for one year, the festival will feature several music events. A special guest will perform a violin solo, and more than three hundred students will perform a variety of instrumental and vocal selections. Which best shows that the author's purpose is to inform readers about the arts festival?

• The author highlights a contrast between visual arts and music events.

• The author provides facts about the festival, including the date, location, and types of art.

Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?

• to convince readers that coal mining is bad for their community

• to explain how coal mining contributes to global warming

Review the text. I am quite concerned about the harmful effects of coal mining in our community. Coal mining threatens the health and safety of everyone who lives in Hillsdale. Every year, local coal mining operations emit mercury, lead, and other toxic substances that pollute our air and water. On top of that, the burning of coal puts tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, "Coal plants are the nation's top source of carbon dioxide emissions, the primary cause of global warming." We can shift our community away from coal and toward clean, renewable sources of energy like wind and solar power. The time to act is now! Which best shows that the author's purpose is to convince readers that coal mining is bad for their community?

• The author begins by stating a clear position and then provides evidence to support that position.

• The author explains the process by which coal results in carbon dioxide emissions.

Read the text. I first went to Mary's Hairy Salon a few months ago. Oh my gosh, was I impressed! Unlike other hairdressers, who pretend to hear you explain what you want and then just start cutting away, Mary really listened. I showed her a picture of the style I wanted, and that is exactly what I got. She took the time to get acquainted with my hair, and she was very knowledgeable. And one of the best parts? It was affordable. For someone whose hair needs maintenance every six weeks or so, that makes all the difference. I highly recommend Mary! Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?

• to persuade readers to try Mary's Hairy Salonto

• inform readers about Mary's Hairy Salon

Which best shows that the author's purpose is to persuade readers to try Mary's Hairy Salon?

• The author admits that her hair needs maintenance every six weeks or so.

• The author provides standards for judging a hairdresser and explains how Mary meets those standards.

Read the text. Place four eggs in a large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by one inch. Slowly bring the water to a boil over medium heat. As soon as the water begins to boil, remove the pan from the burner. Cover it and let the eggs sit for about ten minutes. Then drain the water from the pan. You will notice, though, that a hot hard-boiled egg is not easy to peel. To cool the eggs, rinse them with cold water. Then, when you're ready to peel an egg, gently tap it on the counter until the shell cracks. Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?

• to convince readers that making hard-boiled eggs is easy

• to teach readers how to make hard-boiled eggs

Review the text.

Place four eggs in a large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by one inch. Slowly bring the water to a boil over medium heat. As soon as the water begins to boil, remove the pan from the burner. Cover it and let the eggs sit for about ten minutes. Then drain the water from the pan. You will notice, though, that a hot hard-boiled egg is not easy to peel. To cool the eggs, rinse them with cold water. Then, when you're ready to peel an egg, gently tap it on the counter until the shell cracks.

Which best shows that the author's purpose is to teach readers how to make hard-boiled eggs?

• The author uses precise language, such as slowly and gently.

• The author outlines a specific process for readers to follow.

If you know the kind of passage you are reading, it will help you...

• identify the evidence needed

• identify the author's purpose

• identify the answer

• none of the above