Transcript Author`s Purpose

Author’s Purpose
Why do author’s write?
Why do Author’s Write?
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Author’s write for 4 main reasons
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Describe, explain or inform: the author gives facts
in an equal manner. If there are two sides the author
let’s the reader choose after reading facts about both
sides.
Example - Nonfiction text
Persuade or Influence: the author wants the reader
to agree with him/ her or to complete a task such as
go vote or become a vegetarian.
Example - Advertisement
Entertain: the author wants the reader to enjoy
reading. Most fictional writing is written with
entertainment in mind.
Example – Chapter Book or Comics
Express: the author just wants to pour out his heart
or mind.
Example - Journal entries
Author’s Tone
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The author’s attitude about the selection. The
author’s agreement or disagreement about the
subject in the text.
The attitude or tone can be one of the following:
Positive – the writing shows good feelings about
the topic. It is cheerful, happy, humorous, romantic,
joyful, excited, proud, etc…
Negative – the writing shows bad or sad feelings
about the topic. It is shameful, sad, sarcastic, sad,
heated, bored, fearful, hesitant etc…
Neutral – the writing doesn’t show feelings one
way or the other. The author does not choose any
positive or negative words to avoid showing his/her
feelings.
Words to Know
Bias – when an author feels so strongly
about a topic that he or she sees things
from only one side.
Example: An older author will write with a
negative tone when writing about young
students because of his or her old fashion
thoughts.
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Words to Know con’t
Propaganda – a form of speech or writing that
tries to influence your thoughts by using
emotion rather than logic.
Examples:
Oversimplifying: All it takes to save the
Everglades from disappearing is money.
Broad Statements: Today’s young people
would rather play video games that read a good
book.
Unsupported Claims: I’ve never been to the
Florida Key’s but it’s probably boring anyway
Emotional Language: The Marlins are
wonderful. When they play they are a pure joy
to watch
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Answering Author’s Purpose ?’s
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Look for the Main Idea of the text.
Think about the important details.
Notice the word choices to figure out the
author’s tone (positive, negative, neutral)
Figure out what the author wants you
to feel, learn, think, or believe.
Did the author use bias or propaganda.
Did the author use facts or opinions
What is the author’s purpose for writing.
Let’s Practice
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In September 1814, a brand new
American flag was flying high about Fort
McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. The flag
was more than 40 feet wide and 30 feet
high, with fifteen stars and stripes.
1. This selection is intended to
A. amuse readers.
B. sell a product to readers.
C. arouse sympathy.
D. describe a product.
Try our new product and you will be amazed
at how quickly it brings relief from allergies.
With one pill a day, you will be able to
breathe freely again. No need to hide from
nature any more with Natur-All. Just ask your
doctor about it.
1. This selection is intended to
A. amuse readers.
B. sell a product to readers.
C. arouse sympathy.
D. inform readers.