Author’s Author’s PurposePurpose

Why do author’s Why do author’s write?write?

Why do Author’s Write?Why do Author’s Write? Author’s write for Author’s write for 4 main reasons4 main reasons

Describe, explain or informDescribe, explain or inform:: the author gives the author gives factsfacts in an equal manner. If there are two sides in an equal manner. If there are two sides the author let’s the reader choose after reading the author let’s the reader choose after reading facts about both sides. facts about both sides. Example - Nonfiction textExample - Nonfiction text

Persuade or InfluencePersuade or Influence:: the author wants the the author wants the reader to reader to agreeagree with him/ her or to complete a with him/ her or to complete a task such as go vote or become a vegetarian. task such as go vote or become a vegetarian. Example - AdvertisementExample - Advertisement

EntertainEntertain:: the author wants the reader to the author wants the reader to enjoyenjoy reading. Most fictional writing is written with reading. Most fictional writing is written with entertainment in mind. entertainment in mind. Example – Chapter Book or ComicsExample – Chapter Book or Comics

ExpressExpress:: the author just wants to the author just wants to pour outpour out his his heart or mind. heart or mind. Example - Journal entriesExample - Journal entries

Author’s ToneAuthor’s Tone The author’s The author’s attitudeattitude about the selection. The about the selection. The

author’s author’s agreement or disagreementagreement or disagreement about about the subject in the text.the subject in the text.

The attitude or The attitude or tonetone can be one of the following: can be one of the following:PositivePositive – the writing shows – the writing shows good feelingsgood feelings about the topic. It is cheerful, happy, humorous, about the topic. It is cheerful, happy, humorous, romantic, joyful, excited, proud, etc…romantic, joyful, excited, proud, etc…NegativeNegative – the writing shows – the writing shows bad or sad bad or sad feelingsfeelings about the topic. It is shameful, sad, about the topic. It is shameful, sad, sarcastic, sad, heated, bored, fearful, hesitant sarcastic, sad, heated, bored, fearful, hesitant etc…etc…Neutral Neutral – the writing – the writing doesn’t show feelingsdoesn’t show feelings one way or the other. The author does not one way or the other. The author does not choose any positive or negative words to avoid choose any positive or negative words to avoid showing his/her feelings.showing his/her feelings.

Words to KnowWords to Know

BiasBias – when an author feels so – when an author feels so strongly about a topic that he or she strongly about a topic that he or she sees things from only one side.sees things from only one side.

ExampleExample: An : An older authorolder author will write will write with a with a negative tonenegative tone when writing when writing about about young studentsyoung students because of his because of his or her old fashion thoughts.or her old fashion thoughts.

Words to Know con’tWords to Know con’t Propaganda Propaganda – a form of speech or writing – a form of speech or writing

that tries to influence your thoughts by that tries to influence your thoughts by using emotion rather than logic.using emotion rather than logic.

Examples:Examples: OversimplifyingOversimplifying: All it takes to save the : All it takes to save the Everglades from disappearing is money.Everglades from disappearing is money.Broad StatementsBroad Statements: Today’s young people : Today’s young people would rather play video games that read a would rather play video games that read a good book.good book.Unsupported ClaimsUnsupported Claims: I’ve never been to : I’ve never been to the Florida Key’s but it’s probably boring the Florida Key’s but it’s probably boring anywayanywayEmotional LanguageEmotional Language: The Marlins are : The Marlins are wonderful. When they play they are a pure wonderful. When they play they are a pure joy to watchjoy to watch

Answering Author’s Purpose Answering Author’s Purpose ?’s?’s

Look for the Look for the Main IdeaMain Idea of the text. of the text. Think about the Think about the important details.important details. Notice the Notice the word choicesword choices to figure out to figure out

the author’s tone (positive, negative, the author’s tone (positive, negative, neutral)neutral)

Figure out Figure out what the author wantswhat the author wants you you to feel, learn, think, or believe.to feel, learn, think, or believe.

Did the author use Did the author use bias or propagandabias or propaganda.. Did the author use Did the author use facts or opinionsfacts or opinions What is the What is the author’s purposeauthor’s purpose for for

writing.writing.

Let’s PracticeLet’s Practice In September 1814, a brand new In September 1814, a brand new

American flag was flying high about American flag was flying high about Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. The flag was more than 40 feet wide The flag was more than 40 feet wide and 30 feet high, with fifteen stars and 30 feet high, with fifteen stars and stripes.and stripes.1. This selection is intended to1. This selection is intended to

A. amuse readers.A. amuse readers.B. sell a product to readers.B. sell a product to readers.C. arouse sympathy.C. arouse sympathy.D. describe a product. D. describe a product.

Try our new product and you will be Try our new product and you will be amazed at how quickly it brings relief amazed at how quickly it brings relief from allergies. With one pill a day, you from allergies. With one pill a day, you will be able to breathe freely again. No will be able to breathe freely again. No need to hide from nature any more with need to hide from nature any more with Natur-All. Just ask your doctor about it.Natur-All. Just ask your doctor about it.

1. This selection is intended to 1. This selection is intended to A. amuse readers.A. amuse readers.B. sell a product to readers.B. sell a product to readers.C. arouse sympathy.C. arouse sympathy.D. inform readers.D. inform readers.