1. Author’s Purpose

2. 3 Reasons to Write
There are three main reasons an author writes a text:
Persuade
Inform
Entertain
The easiest way to remember this is the acronym PIE!

3. Audience
The purpose of a text depends on who will be reading it. This is called the audience.
Discuss in your groups who the audience might be for the texts on the following slides.

12. P. I. E.
Now you will analyze each of the three purposes for writing non-fiction texts: Persuasion, Informational, and Entertainment

13. Persuasion
If an author is writing to persuade, he/she is trying to convince the reader to believe his/her perspective on a topic.
Common Examples:
Advertisements
Essays
Opinion articles
Speeches
Debates

14. Reading Persuasive Writing
With a persuasive text, the reader must evaluate the author’s argument.
Consider the following:
What is the author’s claim?
Is another point of view presented?
What reasons do the author give to support his/her claim?
What evidence is given to support these reasons?
Is this evidence relevant and convincing?

15. Inform
If an author is writing to inform he/she is giving facts and details on a particular topic.
Common Examples:
Educational websites
Encyclopedias
Textbooks
Reports
How to articles
Documentaries

16. Reading Informative Writing
With an informative text, the reader should take note of the main ideas and important details.
Consider the following:
What ideas are emphasized in the introduction and conclusion?
Are there additional text features that help you understand the ideas and details such as charts, graphs, or images?
Are there key vocabulary words defined throughout the text?
Is the author being objective (unbiased; only facts) or subjective (biased; opinions)?
If you are not sure, see if there another text that has the same information?

17. Entertain
If an author is writing to entertain, he/she is trying to relate to the audience on a personal level.
Common Examples:
Novels
Stories
Poetry
Magazines
Essays
Screenwriting & Plays

18. Reading Entertaining Writing
With an entertaining text, the reader should be looking for clues about how the author is trying to connect with the reader.
Consider the following:
Is the author sharing a personal story or experience?
Is the author trying to tap into certain emotions in the reader? –sadness, fear, anger, joy, humor, love, etc.
Does this reading require the reader to use his/her imagination? If so, to what extent?