Purpose — English definition
The specific result a writer seeks through a text.
Where it is taught
- Author’s Purpose, Audience & Perspective — Information, Media & Evidence, English 7: Reading, Evidence & Expression, Grade 7
In use
Purpose is what a text is trying to accomplish; audience is whom it addresses.
Author’s Purpose, Audience & Perspective
Questions using purpose
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
The specific result a writer seeks through a text. Purpose names a specific goal: to explain a process, request a change, recommend a trial, or entertain. “To inform” may be too broad if the text is also making a recommendation. Separate what a writer wants from whether the supporting evidence is adequate.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
The specific result a writer seeks through a text. The unit case offers this example to examine: The organizer’s memo supports a trial using a questionnaire with a defined group and options. The resident’s letter identifies a concern the questionnaire missed and requests practical changes. The memo cannot represent every resident, and the letter does not claim to represent everyone with a similar schedule. Their different positions can contribute complementary information. Identify the wording or choice that fits the term. A different accurate example is acceptable.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
Audience affects the information, vocabulary, and requests a writer chooses. The organizer addresses people making a scheduling decision; the resident asks those decision makers to consider an access problem. Neither text needs to describe every possible reader to have a useful purpose. The organizer’s memo supports a trial using a questionnaire with a defined group and options. The resident’s letter identifies a concern the questionnaire missed and requests practical changes. The memo cannot represent every resident, and the letter does not claim to represent everyone with a similar schedule. Their different positions can contribute complementary information.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 4
- purpose: The specific result a writer seeks through a text.
- Purpose can be identified without considering audience or wording.
- A source with a perspective is automatically false.
- Every correct response must exactly copy the model wording.
Answer and explanation
purpose: The specific result a writer seeks through a text.
The specific result a writer seeks through a text. The organizer’s memo supports a trial using a questionnaire with a defined group and options. The resident’s letter identifies a concern the questionnaire missed and requests practical changes. The memo cannot represent every resident, and the letter does not claim to represent everyone with a similar schedule. Their different positions can contribute complementary information.