 By Mrs. Clayton

 Today you will learn about and apply “author’s purpose”. My turn first!  Over the next several slides, read about what author’s purpose is. Look at the examples that I provide that show you what author’s purpose is.  Then, it will be your turn to try it with help.  Finally, you will go and apply this skill on your own.

 Author’s purpose is why the author writes or includes information in the story.  The author can have 1 of 4 purposes o Persuade – getting you to believe or do something o Inform – provides facts and details o Entertain – a fun story to make you laugh or cry o Show feelings – expresses strong emotion or o feelings about a topic

 The Slim-O-Matic will cause you to loose pounds and inches from your body in one month. This amazing machine helps you to exercise correctly and provides an easy video to show you the proper way to exercise. Send $75.99 and begin exercising today.  The author is trying to get you to buy the Slim-O-Matic, so the author’s purpose is to persuade.  You might find persuasive text in newspapers, TV commercials, or magazine advertisements.

 The Underground Railroad was a secret organization which helped slaves escape to freedom. Many slaves were able to escape because of the conductors and station masters. The northern states were free states and slaves were free once they arrived in the north. Secret codes and signals were used to identify the conductors and station masters.  This is an example of the author informing you about the Underground Railroad.  You can find informational text in you Science and Social Studies books and non-fiction stories.

 It was a glorious morning in Alabama. The sun was shining through the trees. Alan couldn't wait to find his fishing pole and call his friend Sam to go fishing. They had a great time on these early morning fishing trips. They took their dogs with them and the dogs would swim in the lake while they fished. It was so funny to watch those dogs paddle around the lake.  The purpose of this paragraph is to entertain the reader about Alan’s day.  Most of the time the purpose of non-fiction stories are to entertain the reader. These stories are just made up!

 Dear Sam, I am really bummed cause my dog died last night. He was really old, and mom said it was his time to go. I guess it is better that he is gone so that he doesn’t have to suffer. I was really hard for him to walk, and he didn’t like to play anymore. I have noticed that the cat keeps looking for him. That’s kinda funny. I just wanted you to know, so you’d know why I was sad. Sincerely, John  The author wrote this to share his/her feeling about loosing his dog.  Most of the time text like a journal or diary will be to express feelings. Poetry can also be an example of sharing feelings and opinions.

 On the next few slides, try to determine what the author’s purpose is.  This is your opportunity to have practice with help.  After this you will need do practice on your own!

 Judy Glen's amazing Wrinkle Remover cream will make you look younger in thirty days or less. This remarkable cream has special ingredients to make your wrinkles disappear. The cost for a thirty day supply is $ Send your check to P.O.Box 00002, Shelton, CA What’s the author’s purpose? Persuade Share feelings Entertain Inform

 Thomas was not happy one little bit. His sister, Susan was making honor roll again. His parents would allow her to do anything she wanted to do. Thomas was not making honor roll this time and he was not going to be allowed to do all the things he wanted to do. Poor Thomas! He would just have to study harder and get back on the honor roll. What’s the author’s purpose? Persuade Share feelings Entertain Inform

 Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867 in Pepin, Wisconsin to Charles and Caroline Ingalls. She met and married Almanzo James Wilder in She published many books based on her travels to the west. Her writing became the basis for the " Little House" series She died in What’s the author’s purpose? Persuade Share feelings Entertain Inform

 Roses are red, Violets are blue, Flowers smell sweet, and so are you! What’s the author’s purpose? Persuade Share feelings Entertain Inform

 HAMSTERS FOR SALE: Braxton Pet Store, Northwood Mall: We have a large selection of hamsters for sale this week. They are interesting pets and you will enjoy having one. They are only $ this week. Come and buy yours today! What’s the author’s purpose? Persuade Share feelings Entertain Inform

 Calligraphy is a form of handwriting. A special pen must be used. Letters are formed using up and down strokes. Old documents are usually written in this form. Diplomas, certificates and other awards are written in calligraphy. It is an interesting form of handwriting. What’s the author’s purpose? Persuade Share feelings Entertain Inform

 It has been 10 days since I have traveled here to Spain. I love it here. There are so many things to do. I went to see this stone place where people hang out all afternoon. It is really cool that people don’t work in the afternoon here. They call is siesta time. Everyone stops working and lays around relaxing. I could live here forever! What’s the author’s purpose? Persuade Share feelings Entertain Inform

 Katina and her brother, Jess were playing with the water hose outside one day. Jess was hiding from Katina so she wouldn't squirt him with the water. The back door opened and Katina pointed the water hose toward the door. It was Mom and she was dripping wet! What’s the author’s purpose? Persuade Share feelings Entertain Inform

 Do you think you got it?  Yes, then go out and try it on your own o  No, go back and look at the information again.

1. Go to the local newspaper's website. Find one article or feature from the newspaper that demonstrates each type of author’s purpose.  Post your results on the class’s discussion board. 2. On your student blog, create 4 paragraphs. Each paragraph should represent one type of author's purpose. Invite 5 classmates to comment on what each author's purpose is. The writing should be your own and not copied from another person or website. You may post the link to your blog in the discussion board.