1. Author’s Purpose

2. What is Author’s Purpose?
Authors write for many reasons.
The author’s purpose tells you why the author wrote the story, advertisement, directions, etc.
There are three main types of author’s purpose:
To Persuade
To Inform
To Entertain

3. An easy way to remember this is to remember that ALL authors love PIE.
Persuade
Inform
Entertain

4. To Persuade
Other authors may write to try and get you to do something or buy something.
If so, they are writing to PERSUADE.
EXAMPLE of writing to PERSUADE
What’s better in the morning than a large cup of coffee and a warm, sweet, glazed donut!
No one makes a better donut than
POP’S DONUT SHOP
So hop on down to
125 Sweet Treat Lane
Or call ahead and place an order:
Yum….The author wrote this to persuade you to eat their donuts.

5. EXAMPLE of writing to INFORM
An author may write to give you facts or true information about a subject.
If so, they are writing to INFORM.
EXAMPLE of writing to INFORM
A lion is one of four types of large cats. The male lion can weigh up to 550 pounds, and can be identified by his mane. Females do not have a mane. Wild lions live in Africa and Asia. Lions normally live between ten to fourteen years in the wild. Female lions are usually the hunters, and go in packs to find their families’ meals.
The author wrote this to inform you about lions.

6. EXAMPLE of writing to ENTERTAIN
Some authors write fiction stories or stories that are not true. You read these stories for fun!
If so, they are writing to ENTERTAIN.
EXAMPLE of writing to ENTERTAIN
Justin was so excited about his birthday next week. He told his mom he wanted ice skates for his birthday after watching his friends play ice hockey. On the day of his birthday, he unwrapped a new pair of ice skates, threw on his jacket, and ran out the door to the ice rink. When he got on the ice, Justin made it about two glides before he fell on his face.
Ahhh….The author wrote this to entertain you with his story.

7. Okay…Let’s Review!! To get you to do or buy something? to Persuade
Facts or true
information?
to Inform
Fiction story to read for fun?
to Entertain

8. Get your whiteboard or pencil and paper ready!
Let’s see if you can identify why the author wrote these passages!

9. Why did the author write this?
Tom loved to go fishing in the spring. He would catch the fish, and then bring them home for his mom to cook, and have a big family meal. One day, Tom and his friend, Josh, set out on their boat to catch fish. After a few hours, they hadn’t caught any fish. Suddenly, a large fin popped out of the water, and Tom’s fishing line started to pull. He pulled as hard as he could, and into the boat popped the biggest fish he’d ever seen!
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

10. Why did the author write this?
The “Get-You-Skinny” is an absolutely amazing machine. You can walk, jog, or run your way to a new body in a matter of months. It is easy to set up, and simple to use. Watch, as the pounds will come off so quickly. To make your purchase, send a check for $100 to:
3456 Washington Ave.
Kenmore, IL 89344
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

11. Why did the author write this?
Surfing is a water sport where a person rides a board as a wave carries them toward the shore. Surfing begins when the surfer paddles to the shore to try and match the speed of the wave. Once the wave begins to carry the surfer forward, the surfer stands up and rides the wave. Surfers like to ride big waves because they make the ride more adventurous.
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

12. Unbelievable Beauty Makeup Why did the author write this?
Unbelievable Beauty Makeup will change the look of your face from drab to fabulous! It is easy to apply, and simple to remove with soap and water. Go out for a night on the town looking your best! This wonderful makeup can be all yours at the low price of $ Just call our company and order yours today!
Unbelievable Beauty Makeup
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

13. Why did the author write this?
Tom was very upset. He got his progress report and noticed he was getting an F in math class. He knew it was because he was slacking off, and not completing his homework. He had a long talk with his teacher, and she agreed to let him make up his missing homework assignments. He worked hard over the weekend and made up all his assignments. He was so proud when the next report card came out, and he had an “A” in math.
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

14. Why did the author write this?
Elvis Presley was born in 1935, in the state of Mississippi. He learned to play the guitar at an early age. His music quickly became very popular around the world. Elvis created many musical movies using his songs. He became known as “The King”, and one of the most famous people in the world. People today still love to play his music and celebrate his life’s accomplishments.
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

15. Why did the author write this? to Inform to Entertain to Persuade
PUPPIES FOR SALE:
Braxton Pet Store, Northwood Mall:
We have a large selection of puppies for sale this week. They are adorably fun pets, and you will enjoy having one.
They are only
$ this week!
Come and buy yours today!
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

16. Why did the author write this?
Coconuts grow on tall palm trees in tropical areas. One tree can produce up to 75 coconuts each year. Coconuts are considered a fruit. The outside of the coconut is brown and hairy, and the inside is white and smooth. The white flesh from the inside is what people eat. People also drink the white juice that is inside the coconut.
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

17. Why did the author write this?
Jin and Jevon were thrilled when their moms said that they could have a sleepover. All night they ate junk food, watched movies, played video games, and had fun playing hide and seek. For dinner, they ordered pizza and made ice cream sundaes for dessert. When it started getting late, Jin’s mom told them to brush their teeth and go to bed. After they got their pajamas on, they started jumping on their bunk beds until they were worn out and fell asleep.
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

18. Why did the author write this?
Have you ever been to the mountains for a vacation? The cool breezes will surround you as you look at the beauty of nature. You will get to see tall evergreen trees and wildlife like you wouldn’t believe. You can take a hike into the wilderness, or glide on a canoe in the lake. Go camping with your family, and have a picnic in the forest. Get your computer, and go online to book your next vacation in the mountains.
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

19. Why did the author write this?
Joe was a lumberjack chopping down trees in the forest. As he finished his last tree, he heard a funny buzzing sound. When he looked up in the trees, he saw a giant dragonfly. Within a matter of seconds, the dragonfly started to attack him. Joe ran for his life. As he screamed loudly, the other lumberjacks ran toward him swinging their axes to try and get the dragonfly. Joe was so distracted looking behind him at the dragonfly that he ran right into a tree!
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

20. Why did the author write this?
One night, as the sky grew dark and clouds rolled in, a loud crash was heard in Billy’s neighborhood. When he walked down the street to investigate what created the noise, he started to hear footsteps behind him. He was almost too afraid to turn around. As he slowly turned around, he saw the weirdest looking alien! He almost fainted from the scare. To his surprise, the alien walked up to him and said, “Hi, my name is Al.”
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

21. Why did the author write this?
The giant panda is a bearlike animal that has thick white fur with black markings on its ears, limbs, shoulders, and around its eyes. The giant panda feeds on bamboo forests at high altitudes in western China. It also eats bulbs, roots, eggs, and some small mammals. The cubs are born in late winter. The giant panda is an endangered species and is protected by the Chinese government.
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

22. Why did the author write this?
Do you need to learn how to cook? Well, all you need to do is turn on your television, and watch as Chef Lemeril Spagasi teaches you the steps to creating the best meal of your life! Tune in Fridays on Channel 45 at 6:00pm, and catch the chef in action!
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

23. Why did the author write this?
Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun, and the second largest planet in the solar system. Saturn is named after the Roman god Saturn. Saturn has seven rings made up of thousands of smaller rings, which mostly consist of ice particles and rock dust. It is over 95 times bigger than Earth. Saturn is a very unique and special planet.
Why did the author write this?
to Inform
to Entertain
to Persuade

24. This type of author’s purpose is for fun
This type of author’s purpose is for fun! They are fictional stories created to make you laugh, cry, be scared, or angry. What is the purpose of this author’s writing:
to inform
to entertain
to persuade

25. This type of author’s purpose is for information
This type of author’s purpose is for information. The author gives you facts and details about a specific subject. What is the purpose of this author’s writing:
to inform
to entertain
to persuade

26. This type of author’s purpose is to get you to do or buy something
This type of author’s purpose is to get you to do or buy something. The author gives you reasons why you should. What is the purpose of this author’s writing:
to inform
to entertain
to persuade

27. Let’s take it to another level!
Okay…
Let’s take it to another level!
Try to identify the correct author’s purpose for these last five passages!

28. Why did the author write this passage?
How do you see our world in the future? If we recycle, then we can reuse plastic, metal, and paper, to help keep our Earth clean for many years to come. Recycling is very easy to do. All you need to do is collect items made of recyclable material and take it to your nearest recycling center. So, help our Earth and recycle today!
Why did the author write this passage?
To inform you about how to recycle.
To entertain you with a story about recycling.
To persuade to you to recycle to help our Earth.
To inform you about plastic.

29. Why did the author write this passage?
Harry was a very mischievous cat. He liked to play with the toilet paper, track muddy paw prints throughout the house, and go through the neighbor’s cat door and eat their cat’s food. One day his family got a goldfish. Harry stared at him day and night, until one morning the family woke up and the goldfish was gone. When they looked for Harry, they found him fast asleep behind the dirty laundry basket in the garage with a gold tail hanging out of his mouth.
Why did the author write this passage?
To entertain you with a story about a cat who gets into trouble.
To persuade to you to buy a cat.
To inform you that cats can be naughty.
To entertain you with a story about goldfish.

30. Why did the author write this passage?
The Statue of Liberty is a gigantic sculpture in the New York Harbor. The statue was a gift from the people of France in recognition of the friendship established between France and the United States during the American Revolution. She holds a tablet with the date of the American Declaration of Independence. Since it was created, the statue has become a symbol of freedom for the United States.
Why did the author write this passage?
To entertain you with a story about the statue.
To persuade to you to visit New York.
To inform you about the American Revolution.
To inform you about the Statue of Liberty and why it was made.

31. Why did the author write this passage?
The best part about camping is roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Nothing beats the taste of the gooey white goodness melting in your mouth. All you have to do is find a skinny tree branch, clean it off, find some marshmallows, and you’re ready to roast. After a few seconds over the fire you have a sweet toasty treat. Next time you go camping, be sure to ask your mom to pack some sweet, fluffy marshmallows.
Why did the author write this passage?
To entertain you with a story about marshmallows.
To persuade you to go camping.
To persuade you to try roasting marshmallows.
To inform you on how to roast marshmallows.

32. Why did the author write this passage?
Did you know that chocolate chip cookies have been around more than 80 years? These tasty treats were accidentally invented by a woman named Ruth Graves Wakefield. She owned a restaurant called the Toll House Inn. One night while she was trying to make chocolate cookies, she used a different type of chocolate from a company called Nestle, and surprisingly the chocolate didn’t melt into the cookie. From that point on they were known as the famous Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Why did the author write this passage?
To inform you about the history of chocolate chip cookies.
To persuade you to eat chocolate chip cookies.
To entertain with a story about chocolate chip cookies.
To inform about the Toll House Inn.

33. Congratulations. You’ve done an amazing job mastering author’s purpose
Congratulations! You’ve done an amazing job mastering author’s purpose. You’ve earned the author’s purpose TROPHY!
Author’s
Purpose