STAAR Understanding Author's Purpose

What is the author's purpose in writing a story about a young girl who overcomes her fear of public speaking?

• To entertain readers with a humorous tale

• To inform readers about public speaking techniques

• To persuade readers to face their fears

• To describe the history of public speaking

In a text about recycling, the author includes statistics about waste reduction. What is the author's purpose for including these statistics?

• To entertain readers with interesting facts

• To inform readers about the benefits of recycling

• To persuade readers to recycle more

• To describe the process of recycling

Why might an author write a biography about a famous scientist?

• To entertain readers with fictional stories

• To inform readers about the scientist's life and achievements

• To persuade readers to become scientists

• To describe the process of scientific discovery

An author writes a poem about the beauty of nature. What is the likely purpose of this poem?

• To entertain readers with a funny story

• To inform readers about environmental issues

• To persuade readers to protect nature

• To express appreciation for nature's beauty

In a text about healthy eating, the author includes a list of nutritious foods. What is the author's purpose for this list?

• To entertain readers with recipes

• To inform readers about healthy food choices

• To persuade readers to eat more vegetables

• To describe the history of nutrition

What is the author's purpose in writing a letter to the editor about the importance of community service?

• To entertain readers with a personal story

• To inform readers about community service opportunities

• To persuade readers to volunteer

• To describe the history of community service

An author writes a mystery novel with unexpected plot twists. What is the author's primary purpose?

• To entertain readers with suspenseful storytelling

• To inform readers about detective work

• To persuade readers to solve mysteries

• To describe the process of writing a novel

In a text about the solar system, the author includes diagrams of the planets. What is the author's purpose for these diagrams?

• To entertain readers with artistic drawings

• To inform readers about the arrangement of planets

• To persuade readers to study astronomy

• To describe the history of space exploration

Why might an author write a persuasive essay about the benefits of reading books?

• To entertain readers with book reviews

• To inform readers about different genres

• To persuade readers to read more books

• To describe the history of literature

An author writes a travel guide about a popular tourist destination. What is the author's purpose?

• To entertain readers with travel stories

• To inform readers about attractions and activities

• To persuade readers to visit the destination

• To describe the history of the destination