Author's Purpose
Author’s Purpose
As we have discussed in earlier lessons, authors have different purposes or reasons for writing. Here is a quick review of three primary purposes for writing.
1. Expository writing - to inform - this writing shows or explains the facts (i.e. biographies, new reports, an essay about a subject)
2. Persuasive writing - to persuade - this writing attempts to influence or change the mind of the reader and usually makes an argument (i.e. political speeches, advertisements, cover letter for a resume, opinion editorials in newspapers)
3. Narrative writing - to entertain - this writing is a story that has a beginning, middle, and end. There may be a lesson, but the author's main purpose is to entertain (i.e. Harry Potter books, love poems, a play for a theater production)
Read each description of writing to determine the author's purpose. Choose the best answer from the list below.
1. The story of a teenage boy learning to understand and live with his father, who is an alcoholic Vietnam war veteran.
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
2. A list of the 25 richest athletes in the world
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
3. An article arguing why Lebron James is the greatest basketball player ever
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
4. An "X-men" comic book
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
5. The story about a young girl with low self-esteem learning to love herself
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
6. A National Geographic article about the eating and breeding habits of the endangered bald eagle
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
7. A website stating that the new shopping mall should not be built because it threatens an endangered bald eagle's habitat. The website also lists other reasons why the mall should not be built.
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
8. A Native American poem about bald eagles
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
9. A magazine ad urging you to buy "Nike Hyperdunk" shoes because you'll jump higher
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
10. A highway sign that states "Rest Stop Five Miles Ahead"
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
11. The Letter to the Editor from the local newspaper: "Our criminal justice system today is a disgrace. Modern day criminals have more rights than an honest citizen ever imagined were written into our U.S. Constitution. Murderers and rapists are typically set free on legal technicalities and seldom face any jail time. While that scum is back to work finding new victims, the pleas of those they have killed, maimed, or violated go unheard. Until we begin giving some real consideration to people who obey the law, instead of those who break it, things are going to continue getting worse."
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
12. The following description in a newspaper article: “Tofu is a product that is becoming very popular as a low-calorie, cholesterol-free meat substitute. Formerly it was found exclusively in Oriental markets and health food stores, but today tofu can be purchased in most supermarket produce departments. This white, cheese like substance is made from the condensed milk of soybeans. It is extremely high in protein and low in sodium. Tofu is almost tasteless by itself, but it can be easily mixed into sauces and soups; it can even be made to imitate scrambled eggs.”
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
13. A pamphlet urging people not to eat animals or use products made from animals or animal suffering because the author thinks that is cruel and unnecessary
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
14. A book of over 1,000 "knock-knock" jokes
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
15. The story of a young woman who, after the death of her grandfather, quit her job in the business world and returned home to help her aging grandmother.
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
16. A politician’s speech about how homes should be provided to families who cannot afford them
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
17. A poem
about a “packrat,” a person who refuses to throw things away, even things that most people would consider garbage.
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
18. An article comparing and contrasting American and Swedish health care systems
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
19. The Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet, where two young lovers are forbidden from seeing one another due to a centuries old blood feud between their two families
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
20. A website describing a local dog leash ordinance, detailing its history and the penalties for walking around with one’s dog unleashed.
a. to inform b. to persuade c. to entertain
Author’s Purpose Answer Key
1. C
2. A
3. B
4. C
5. C
6. A
7. B
8. C
9. B
10. A
11. B
12. A
13. B
14. C
15. C
16. B
17. C
18. A
19. C
20. B
materials have been remixed from ereadingworksheets.com