AUTHOR’S PURPOSE

LA.910.1.7.2

Analyze the author’s purpose and/or perspective in a variety of texts to

understand how they affect meaning.

LESSON 1 Concept Introduction and Teacher

Modeling Theme: Texting and Teens

Types of Writing

Author’s Purpose

Narrative To tell a story

Descriptive To describe a person, event, or place; to convey a mood

Expository To explain, illustrate, or present information

Persuasive To express an opinion and convince readers to think/feel/act a certain way

KEEP IN MIND These purposes are often, but not

always, specific to types of writing.Authors writing science, educational, or

journal articles are writing to inform.Authors writing newspaper or magazine

articles are writing to persuade.Most authors writing poetry or fiction are

writing to entertain or describe.

•Although it is rare that an author has only one purpose in mind when writing, there is usually a purpose that is more prevalent than all the rest.

HOW TO DETERMINE AUTHOR’S PURPOSE You should ask yourself questions after

reading, such as:“Does the author want me to do something

or believe something?”“Is the author giving me mostly unbiased

information for my knowledge?”“Is the author trying to paint a picture for

me or make me understand a feeling?”“Is the author telling me a story not to

teach me anything but so that I can enjoy the story?”

YES! “Does the author want me to do something or

believe something?” The author’s purpose is most likely to persuade. Political commercials are a good example.

YES! “Is the author giving me mostly unbiased

information for my knowledge?”The author’s purpose is most likely to

inform.A science textbook is a good example.

YES! “Is the author trying to paint a picture for me

or make me understand a feeling?”The author’s purpose is most likely to

describe something or convey a mood.A restaurant review would be an example.

YES! “Is the author telling me a story not to teach

me anything but so that I can enjoy the story?”The author’s purpose is most likely to

entertain.A short story would be a good example.

PRACTICE Article: Texting May Be Taking a Toll I will read the passage while you follow

along.

QUESTION 1 What is the author’s purpose

in writing the article? a. to describe how texting

can lead to sleep issues for kids texting late at night

b. to emphasize the importance of allowing kids to text

c. to inform parents of the various places and times that kids are texting

d. to show how texting may have a negative effect on kids

A is not the right answer because, although it is mentioned, the passage isn’t about sleep issues related to texting.

B is not the right answer because the passage is not about allowing kids to text.

C is not the right answer, various times and places of texting is mentioned, but not the purpose of the passage.

D is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2What is the author’s point of

view toward this “texting phenomenon?”

  a. All this texting may be

having a negative effect on kids.

b. American teenagers send and receive 2,272 texts a month.

c. Parents may not be aware that their child is texting late at night.

d. Texting causes sleep issues for kids.

“A” may be the correct answer, but let’s read on to be sure.

“B” implies the author feels it is excessive, but it does not address the “texting phenomenon.”

“C” is a statement made in the passage.

“D” is not the best answer although it is not wrong. “A” gives a more complete answer to the question.