Authors PurposeWhat the heck is this book about?

Authors use details to paint a picture in your mind

“Mom and I played in the garden all day. I was wearing my pink boots and a fancy skirt. Mom let me rake the ground for weeds. Our garden had corn that was taller than me!”

Some authors write to inform you about something.

Many authors write to entertain people and make them laugh.

Some write to Persuade you to believe something.

You have to pay attention to each paragraph to determine the authors purpose. In a book, this can be done within the first page or two. In an essay, the thesis will tell you.

Let’s Practice

• “Joe had been fishing for over two hours without a single bite. Suddenly there was a nibble at the end of his fishing line.  He stood up on the boat and leaned out too far.  Just then there was a sharp yank on the line.  Joe fell overboard and landed head first into the water. Joe and his friends laughed and laughed.”

• What is the Authors Purpose? To entertain, persuade, or inform?

• Entertain making this story a NARRATIVE.

Practice 2

• The  giant panda is a bearlike animal that has thick white fur with black markings on its ears, limbs, shoulders, and around its eyes. The giant panda feeds on bamboo forests at high altitudes in western China. It also eats bulbs, roots, eggs, and some small mammals. The cubs are born in late winter. The giant panda is an endangered species and is protected by the Chinese government.

• What is the Authors Purpose? To entertain, persuade, or inform?

• INFORM making this essay INFORMATIONAL

Last One, Practice 3

• It's New!  It's Refreshing!  It's Slurpy Soda!

This is the best soda in the world!  If you drink this soda you will jump higher, run faster and be smarter in school. Try one today!

• What is the Authors Purpose? To entertain, persuade, or inform?

• PERSUADE making this essay PERSUASIVE.

Keys to Authors Purpose

1. Look for key details2. Watch for opinion3. Understanding the purpose will help you understand the plot (It is kind of the same

thing)