Author’s Purpose

There are three main reasons an author writes

a text: Persuade Inform Entertain

The easiest way to remember this is the acronym PIE!

3 Reasons to Write

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.

Audience

P. I. E.

Now you will analyze each of the three purposes for writing non-fiction texts: Persuasion, Informational, and

Entertainment

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

Persuasion

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?

Reading Persuasive Writing

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

Inform

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?

Reading Informative Writing

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

Entertain

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?

Reading Entertaining Writing