1. P.I.E.S & Opinions

2. Author’s Purpose The author’s purpose is the reason the author is writing. Knowing the author’s purpose will help you to: Have a better understanding of the reading. Determine how to read the selection. There may be more than one purpose for a reading.

3. Author’s Purpose Reasons for Writing (PIES): Persuade – writer wants you to believe his/her position Inform – writer wants you to learn something about the subject Entertain – writer wants you to have fun while reading Share personal experiences – writer wants to share a personal story or experience

4. Author’s Perspective The author’s perspective is his/her opinion about the subject. This can be expressed directly by the author, characters in the story, or the narrator. The author’s perspective influences: The choice of words used in a reading The way characters behave in a story The outcome of the reading

5. Writing to Persuade If the author’s purpose is to persuade, he/she will try to get the reader to believe his/her opinion. The author wants the reader to feel, think, or act a certain way. There are some facts, but mostly the author’s opinion is expressed. Types of Persuasive writing include advertisements and essays.

6. Writing to Persuade It is recommended that parents read to their children everyday, starting as early as six months of age. When you read with your children, you are preparing them to be life long learners. They are also more likely to be successful in school and in their future career. So, turn off the television and pick up a book! The author is making an emotional plea to do the right thing: READ! Also, the last sentence encourages the reader to take action.

7. Writing to Inform When the author is writing to inform, he/she will present facts on the subject. The author wants the reader to learn something from the reading. The author will not express his/her opinion when writing to inform. Types of informational writing include recipes, directions, and textbooks.

8. Writing to Inform Calligraphy is a form of handwriting. A special pen must be used. Letters are formed using up and down strokes. Old documents usually are written in this form. Even today, special documents such as diplomas and certificates are written in calligraphy. The author wants the reader to learn about the art of writing calligraphy. He does not express any opinions and only shares the facts with the reader.

9. Writing to Entertain If an author is writing to entertain, the goal may be to tell a story or describe characters, places, or events. The author wants the reader to enjoy the story or passage. Examples of entertaining texts include plays, poems, and stories.

10. Writing to Entertain His face appeared in the window. Sara knew he had been the cause of her waking at 3 in the morning. Was this just her imagination? Was she really seeing his shadowy, spooky figure lurking just outside? CRASH! Suddenly, the window shatters, and Sara bolts from her bedroom to her parents’ room. The author is entertaining the reader with a spooky story. He is trying to create a mood of suspense in the story.

11. Writing to Share Experiences When the author writes to share experiences, he/she wants to share memories or interesting hopes and dreams. Authors usually share personal experiences in diaries, letters, and journals. The author will include his/her opinion when sharing personal experiences.

12. Writing to Share Experiences Dear Diary, Today was a mess! My alarm didn’t sound this morning so when I finally woke up I had to throw together an outfit from the hamper. I dashed out of the house trying to catch the bus. As I made it to the corner, the bus passed by and splashed me with a puddle of water. When I finally dragged my drenched self to school, I was greeted by a pop quiz in Algebra. Pop quizzes should officially be banned from all teachers’ vocabulary! The author is sharing the personal experience of having a bad day.

13. Let’s Practice Now, we are going to practice identifying the author’s purpose and perspective. Listen as your teacher reads through and explains the example. Then, complete the practice activity alone or with a partner.