So…..What’s the Purpose? Shelley Rasinen

There is One There is One  Writers have a purpose for what they write.  Clues can be found in the words the writer chooses.  Look first at the writer’s choice of words, and then ask questions.  Who? What? Why?

Entertain  Provides enjoyment  May make you laugh or smile Inform  Provides information  Educates about a topic

Persuade  Gives arguments in an attempt to change the reader’s mind  Argues a position Promote  Much the same as persuading  Lends support to the topic

Explain  Provides an explanation  Gives reasons to help the reader understand why Describe  Descriptive  Detailed

Illustrate  Helps to explain or clarify  Examples or comparisons Inspire  Compel, move deeply  Prompts action or feeling

Demonstrate  Describe, explain, illustrate with examples  To point out or to show

Determine the author’s purpose.  Taking elderberry extract is the best action you can perform to prevent flu or any other type of viral infection. If you’re prone to have the flu or fever blisters, I would strongly suggest taking elderberry extract to prevent future problems.  A. To illustrate  B. To persuade  C. To demonstrate  D. To entertain

B. To Persuade

 Creative writing is an enjoyable course to take if you’re looking for an easy class that allows you to have fun while you learn. You write papers that are read aloud to the class to get suggestions for improvement. No negative comments are allowed, and the assignments are interesting and easy. The only homework you have is the interview, which is completed the last six weeks of class.  A. To entertain the reader  B. to demonstrate a creative writing assignment  C. to inform the reader about the creative writing class  D. to inspire the creative writing process

 C. to inform the reader about the creative writing class

 Cancer is a malignant tumor or disease that tends to spread like a slowly destructive evil. It is difficult to detect, and that makes it even more deadly. Many times victims of this disease don’t have a chance because it has spread too far by the time they know they have it.  A. to entertain  B. to describe  C. to inspire  D. to confuse

 B. to describe

 To get to the mall, take I-85 north to exit 12. Turn right on Hawthorne Road. The mall will be two miles on the right.  A. to explain how to get to the mall  B. to entertain the reader about going to the mall  C. to persuade the reader to go to the mall  D. to inspire the reader to go to the mall

 A. to explain how to get to the mall

 You don’t have to wind up where I did. You’re lucky. You have an example before you today. I’m that example. I didn’t think I could ever wind up in a wheel chair at the age of sixteen, but here I am. I’m here because I made a stupid choice that I will have to live with for the rest of my life. It can happen to you too. If you don’t drink and drive, don’t start. If you do, you’d better take a long look at me and this chair.  A. to promote  B. to inspire  C. to entertain  D. to describe

 B. to inspire

 If you like country living at its finest, you need to stop by the Open House being held in Lake Tranquil Estates this weekend to celebrate the completion of the newest subdivision in our fair city. Spacious 3-acre wooded lots combined with the serenity of the lake and spacious homes beginning at 3,000 sq. ft. make this new development a “must see” for those interested in living in luxury.  A. to inspire  B. to entertain  C. to promote  D. to illustrate

 C. to promote