Why Writers WriteWhy Writers Write

AUTHOR’S PURPOSE

informentertain

persuadeexpress feelingsexpress feelings

Author’s write for different Author’s write for different reasons. Usually, an author will reasons. Usually, an author will

write in order to:write in order to:

How do we know an author’s How do we know an author’s purpose?purpose?

If the passage contains:

the purpose is:

facts & true information informfiction, interesting, or funny storieswords that show feelings or emotions things that the author wants you to think, feel, or do

entertain

express feelings

persuade

Good readers think about what Good readers think about what they are reading and why the they are reading and why the

author has written it.author has written it.

to informto inform

to persuadeto persuade

to entertainto entertain

to express feelings

Carnival is a street festival with parades, music, and costumes. This celebration is usually held in March or April.

What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to persuadepersuade

to to entertainentertain

to express feelings

You can learn about a special festival. Just read the book Carnival by Catherine Chambers. Find out if Carnival is a holiday you’d like to celebrate!

What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to persuadepersuade

to to entertainentertain

to express feelings

People wearing colorful masks and costumes danced to lively music. Floats passed by cheering crowds. Carnival had begun.

What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to persuadepersuade

to to entertainentertain

to express feelings

Rosa and Mateo heard drum music coming from the streets. They smelled saltfish cakes. They were excited because Carnival had begun.

What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to persuadepersuade

to to entertainentertain

to express feelings

Are you tired of the same old car? Are you ready for something that will get everyone’s attention? What you need is a hot new car. Find what you are looking for at Crazy Fred’s Car Lot! What was the author’s purpose?

to to persuadepersuade

to to entertainentertain

to express feelings

The Underground Railroad wasn’t really underground. It wasn’t even a real railroad. It was a group of men and women who believed that slavery was wrong. These people risked their lives to help slaves escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad!

What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to entertainentertain

to express feelings

Owning a dog is a fun and enjoyable experience. Doctors say that people who have dogs are happier and healthier than those who don’t. Dogs are also great for protecting their masters and their master’s property. Everyone should own a dog.

What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to persuadepersuade

to to entertainentertain

Katy tried to be brave but it was more than she could bear. Jake had been the best dog ever. Katy had had him since she was only three years old. She just couldn’t believe that he was gone! Katy wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to think of what to do now.

What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to persuadepersuade

to express feelings

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd president of the United States. Mr. Roosevelt is the only American president who served more than two terms in office. Mr. Roosevelt was actually elected four times. But he died before he was able to complete his fourth term.What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to persuadepersuade

to to entertainentertain

Marcus and Cole raced down the hill. Down the hill, around the apple tree, and back was the course they’d agree on. Marcus was fast. He had won every race that Cole could remember. And he was determined that Marcus wouldn’t beat him again.

What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to entertainentertain

to express feelings

Wildfire was the best horse that Kim had ever owned. Kim spent all summer riding him. Together, the two of them would go racing up and down fields with the wind in their faces and not a care in their hearts. Not only was Wildfire a get horse. He was also a great friend!

What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to persuadepersuade

to to entertainentertain

Kyle held his breath and didn’t move an inch. Right there, not two feet ahead of him was the biggest rattlesnake he’d ever seen. He couldn’t back up; the path was blocked. To his right was a 50 foot drop to the creek. To his left was a wall of sheer rock. His heart pounded. What could he do? Just then, the snake began to slither slowly toward him. What was the author’s purpose?

to to informinform

to to persuadepersuade

to express feelings