Authors Purpose

An author's purpose is...

• the reason an author writes
• the reason an author teaches
• author's sense of humor
• author's way of life. 

Dear Edith, 
Pets should be allowed in restaurants. I brought my dog to dinner, and the waiter threw us out. He said that dogs were dirty, but my dog is cleaner than many people. I know! It's not fair - it's a ridiculous rule, and it should be changed.

• to persuade
• to inform
• to entertain

Welcome to National Park
Watch for signs along the trail. They will tell you about the trees, plants, and animals that live here. The trail is six miles long and takes the average person two hours to hike. There are two rest stops along the way. 

• to persuade
• to inform
• to entertain

Do you want to be an artist? Just enroll in "The Awesome Artists" program. Don't let this opportunity or your talent slip away. We guarantee you will be painting like the masters in two weeks for a low cost of $59.95.
What is the author's purpose?

• to entertain you with a story about artists
• to teach you how all artists become famous
• to persuade you to attend an art program
• to explain how to paint a sunset

Ted was anxious to try out for the basketball team. He had practiced and knew he was ready. Tryouts made him a little nervous, but when he found out he made the team he knew that all the work had paid off.
What is the author's purpose?

• to entertain you witha story about a boy who worked hard
• to teach how to play basketball
• to persuade you to try out for the basketball team
• to explain the rules of basketball

Beth and her mom went to the circus. This was a special day because she had never been to a circus before. They bought peanuts and went to their seats. She saw clowns, jugglers, and people on trapezes. There were elephants, lions, and tigers. It was a very exciting day for Beth. 
What is the author's purpose?

• entertain: to tell a story about a girl who enjoyed the circus
• inform: to teach you about the animals in the circus
• to persuade you to visit the circus
• to explain how much it costs to attend the circus

When an author writes to persuade , it means the author is:

• trying to give you information to teach you the facts.

• trying to make you enjoy the story be keeping the reader's attention.

• trying to get you to do or try something.

• trying to see if you are paying attention.

When an author's purpose is to inform, it means the author is

• trying to make you enjoy the story by keeping the reader's attention.

• trying to give you information and teach you facts.

• trying to get you to do or try something.

• trying to see if you are paying attention.

When the author's purpose is to entertain, the author is:

• trying to make you enjoy the story by keeping the reader's attention.

• trying to get you to do or try something.

• trying to give you information and teach you facts.

• trying to see if you are paying attention.

Documentaries, non-fiction books, history/science books, news articles, recipes, and biographies are examples of :

• Informative writing

• Entertaining writing

• Persuasion writing

• Exclusive writing