Author's Purpose

I. Begin with this Author's Purpose Tutorial        

II. Understanding Author's Purpose: Answer the questions below.

Name      Determine the author's purpose for each of the following.
                                                                    Use inform, persuade or entertain.
 

1. HAMSTERS FOR SALE: Braxton Pet Store, Northwood Mall: We have a large selection of hamsters for sale this week. They are interesting pets and you will enjoy having one. They are only $ 17.99 this week. Come and buy yours today!

What is the author's purpose ? 

2. Calligraphy is a form of handwriting . A special pen must be used. Letters are formed using up and down strokes. Old documents are usually written in this form. Diplomas , certificates and other awards are written in calligraphy. It is an interesting form of handwriting.

What is the author's purpose?    

3. Katina and her brother, Jess were playing with the water hose outside one day. Jess was hiding from Katina so she wouldn't squirt him with the water. The back door opened and Katina pointed the water hose toward the door. It was Mom and she was dripping wet!

What is the author's purpose?    

READ EACH OF THE FOLLOWING. DECIDE IF THE WRITING IS TO INFORM, PERSUADE OR ENTERTAIN.

4. Rosie had the best time making her valentine cards for her classmates. She used red and white paper, heart stickers, markers and anything else she could find. It was great. Her friends are planning a valentine party on Feb. 14th at school. The one she made for her best friend is funny. Funny valentines are nice to get.

Author's purpose of this writing is to

Why do you think this?

5. The easy Chopper 3 will chop your vegetables for you in about 30 seconds. It is easy to use and you can use any vegetable. The cost is $ 29.95. Order yours today!

Author's purpose of this writing is to

Why do you think this?

6. Abraham Lincoln's birthday is on Feb. 12th. He was a great President of the United States. He was our 16th President. He is remembered for freeing the slaves.

Author's purpose for this writing is to 

Why do you think this ?

7. Judy Glen's amazing Wrinkle Remover cream will make you look younger in thirty days or less. This remarkable cream has special ingredients to make your wrinkles disappear. The cost for a thirty day supply is $ 25.99. Send your check to P.O.Box 00002, Shelton, CA 74836

What is the author's purpose of this writing?  

8. Thomas was not happy one little bit. His sister, Susan was making honor roll again. His parents would allow her to do anything she wanted to do. Thomas was not making honor roll this time and he was not going to be allowed to do all the things he wanted to do. Poor Thomas! He would just have to study harder and get back on the honor roll.

What is the author's purpose of this writing?  

9. Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867 in Pepin, Wisconsin to Charles and Caroline Ingalls. She met and married Almanzo James Wilder in 1885. She published many books based on her travels to the west. Her writing became the basis for the " Little House" series She died in 1957.

What is the author's purpose of this writing?
 

III. Why Am I Writing This?

Directions: Read each writing prompt. Which answer best explains the reason why you would write each paper?

1. What is the best day you have ever spent with your family? Think about the best day that you ever spent with your family. Think about reasons that made it the best day ever! Write a paper telling about the best day you ever spent with your family. Include at least three reasons in your paper that made it the best day.  Answer:

A. to tell a story
B. to explain something
C. to persuade or convince
D. to make a request
E. to teach someone how to do something

2. What if Fish Could Fly? Think about all the things that would change on Earth if fish could fly. Write a paper telling about the day that it was discovered that fish could fly and no longer lived in the oceans! Be sure to add exciting details and use vivid verbs to make your tale more interesting.  Answer:

A. to tell a story
B. to explain something
C. to persuade or convince
D. to make a request
E. to teach someone how to do something

3. You are an expert at making mudpies. Your best friend wants to learn how to make mudpies. Write a paper telling the ingredients to use and the steps to do, so your friend can make them, too.  Answer:
A. to tell a story
B. to explain something
C. to persuade or convince
D. to make a request
E. to teach someone how to do something

4. If you could change one thing to make the world a better place what would it be? Think about things you would change. Think about which one of these would be the most important thing to change. Write a paper to convince your reader that this is the most important thing to change in order to make the world a better place.   Answer:

A. to tell a story
B. to explain something
C. to persuade or convince
D. to make a request
E. to teach someone how to do something

5. Have you ever been stuck indoors on a rainy day? Write a paper telling about the day you were stuck indoors because it rained all day.    Answer:

A. to tell a story
B. to explain something
C. to persuade or convince
D. to make a request
E. to teach someone how to do something

6. Your class has just learned how to do double-digit multiplication, but your friend doesn't get it. Write a paper describing the different steps of a double-digit multiplication problem to help your friend.    Answer:

A. to tell a story
B. to explain something
C. to persuade or convince
D. to make a request
E. to teach someone how to do something

7. The school has decided that fourth and fifth grade students do not need recess. Your class really wants recess. Write a note to the principal asking her nicely to let you have recess back. (Your class hopes that you write a good one, because they REALLY want to go outside!)    Answer:

A. to tell a story
B. to explain something
C. to persuade or convince
D. to make a request
E. to teach someone how to do something

8. Everyone has a favorite color. Think about what yours is and why it is your favorite. Write a paper explaining several reasons why __________ is your favorite color!    Answer:

A. to tell a story
B. to explain something
C. to persuade or convince
D. to make a request
E. to teach someone how to do something

9.  It was Saturday night and all of the other volcanoes were practicing blowing their tops, but not Junior. He refused to erupt. Think about how this made his family and friends feel. Write the tale of the Little Volcano Who Refused to Erupt!    Answer:

A. to tell a story
B. to explain something
C. to persuade or convince
D. to make a request
E. to teach someone how to do something

V. Persuasive Essay Map (Work Online...or print the Persuasion Map below.)