1. Nonfiction Author’s Purpose Terms & Definitions
Miss Mainiero English 1

2. Writing to DESCRIBE
Intended to create a mood or emotion, or to re-create a person, place, thing, or event. Descriptive nonfiction employs all five senses to help the reader get a visual image of what the writer is trying to describe.

3. Used to inform or explain something to the audience.
Writing to INFORM
Used to inform or explain something to the audience.

4. Writing to PERSUADE
Tries to convince the reader to act or think in a certain way. The writer uses facts, combined with opinion, to take a position on an issue. The writer argues for his or her side and/or against an opposing side.

5. Writing to ENTERTAIN
Written to entertain or amuse readers. This does not mean that the text is necessarily happy, just that it is written for readers to hold the reader's attention.

6. Writing to NARRATE
Tells a true story about a person, event or place. The audience often learns a lesson or gains insight.