Authors write for a reason. This reason may be to: ___________________

Authors entertain readers by: ______________________________

Examples:

Once upon a time there was a little boy who loved to play soccer. He would run as fast as he could to the ball, but every time he got there and tried to kick it he would miss. He started to think he wasn't very good at soccer, but he didn't give up. His hard work paid off and one day he scored the winning goal for his team.

Authors persuade readers by: _______________________________

Examples:

Art class should be longer than all other specials. There never seems to be enough time to get our pictures done. If we had more time in art class everyone would do a better job on their pictures and we would learn more. Art is very important and we should have the time we need to finish a project.

Authors explain things to readers by: ___________________________

Examples:

Making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is really easy. First, gather your ingredients (bread, peanut butter, jelly) and two knives. Spread the peanut butter on one slice of bread and your jelly on the other. Put the bread together and enjoy!

Authors describe things to readers by: ______________________________ NOTE: “describe” and “explain” are often confused. Ask yourself, “______________________ _______________________________.”

Examples:

The ocean water glitters for as far as the eye can see. The soft crash of waves and smell of salt water have a calming affect. Paradise Beach is a quiet place where you can watch wildlife and relax.

If the author is telling a story, his purpose is probably to _____________. If the author is giving opinions, his purpose is probably to _____________. If the author is telling facts, his purpose is probably to _____________. If the author is giving sensory details, his purpose is probably to __________.

Read each paragraph and decide what the author’s purpose is. Circle the correct answer.

We have a new playground at our school. We had to raise a lot of money to build our new playground. We sold candy bars, coupon books, and wrapping paper. The class who raised the most money was the first to play on the playground. ENTERTAIN EXPLAIN PERSUADE DESCRIBE

One day a beautiful princess was walking down the street hoping to find her prince. She looked high and low and finally gave up. On her way home she found a lonely little frog. She picked him up and began to talk to him telling him all her problems. When she was done she said good-bye to the frog and gave him a kiss on top of his head. Before her very eyes appeared the man of her dreams and they lived happily ever after. ENTERTAIN EXPLAIN PERSUADE DESCRIBE

The old house smelled musty and decayed as I went inside. It obviously hadn’t been cared for in quite a while. The wallpaper was faded and peeling. Even though it was a beautiful sunny day outside, it was hard to see inside the house because of all the dirt that covered the windows. ENTERTAIN INFORM PERSUADE DESCRIBE

Every child should play a sport. When you are on a team you learn to get along with everyone and work together for a common goal. Team work is the best lesson anyone can learn. This is why I believe every child should be on a team. ENTERTAIN EXPLAIN PERSUADE DESCRIBE

ENTERTAIN EXPLAIN PERSUADE DESCRIBE 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 1957.

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. ENTERTAIN EXPLAIN PERSUADE DESCRIBE

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 ENTERTAIN EXPLAIN PERSUADE DESCRIBE

ENTERTAIN EXPLAIN PERSUADE DESCRIBE The spider is considered an arachnid and not an insect. This is because insects have only six legs, while arachnids have eight legs. Spiders range in size from tiny dots to the size of a large grapefruit. Many are colored in shades of black or brown, but some are brightly colored.