Author's purpose — English definition
The main reason an author writes something — usually to inform, to persuade, to entertain, or to explain.
Where it is taught
- Author's Purpose & Point of View — Reading Informational Text, English 6, Grade 6
In use
Every piece of writing was made for a reason, and that reason is the author's purpose.
Author's Purpose & Point of View
Questions using author's purpose
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Purpose: to persuade readers to support the bike-share program. Point of view: strongly in favor. Revealing words include 'fantastic,' 'finally,' or 'lazy,' which show the author's positive opinion of the program (and negative view of the town's current habits) rather than neutral reporting.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Purpose: to persuade readers to oppose cutting school buses. Point of view: strongly against the plan, conveyed through loaded language like 'a huge mistake' and 'plain carelessness,' and by playing down the town's money-saving reason while playing up the harm to students.
Purpose: to persuade readers to oppose cutting school buses. Point of view: strongly against the plan, conveyed through loaded language like 'a huge mistake' and 'plain carelessness,' and by playing down the town's money-saving reason while playing up the harm to students.
Response criteria
- Answer the actual question with accurate details.
- Explain how the evidence or language choice supports the conclusion.
- State a relevant limit, alternative or justified revision.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
Purpose: to persuade readers to oppose cutting school buses. Point of view: strongly against the plan, conveyed through loaded language like 'a huge mistake' and 'plain carelessness,' and by playing down the town's money-saving reason while playing up the harm to students.
Purpose: to persuade readers to oppose cutting school buses. Point of view: strongly against the plan, conveyed through loaded language like 'a huge mistake' and 'plain carelessness,' and by playing down the town's money-saving reason while playing up the harm to students.
Response criteria
- Answer the actual question with accurate details.
- Explain how the evidence or language choice supports the conclusion.
- State a relevant limit, alternative or justified revision.