1. Authors Purpose

2. Authors purpose Did you know that when an author writes he or shehas a purpose or reason for writing? The four main purposes are: Entertain Persuade Express Inform/ explain 3. Lets look at the characteristics of each type of writing. 4. Writing to Entertain This is usually a story or poem. The purpose is to humor the reader. It does not contain many facts.Once upon a time there were threelittle pigs and the time came for themto leave home and seek theirfortunes.Before they left, their mother toldthem " Whatever you do , do it thebest that you can because thats theway to get along in the world. 5. Writing to Persuade The author wants the reader to do something or to think a certain way. The author uses facts and opinions to convince the reader. Only one side of the issue is presented usually. 6. Sample of persuasive writingAfter more than a decade of conservation efforts andmillions of federal dollars, wolves are finally returning tothe northern Rockies. The Bush administration hasannounced that it will remove wolves from theendangered species list and allow the states of Wyoming,Idaho, and Montana to wipe out nearly 80% of all thewolves remaining in the Northern Rockies. These actionswould put wolves back on the brink of extinction afteryears of recovery. We need to tell Congress tooppose the Bush administrations plans andmake sure wolves are protected in the northernRockies. 7. Writing to inform/ explain The author provides information about a topic. The writing contains mainly facts. The author rarely expresses his opinion. 8. Sample of informative piece Wolf paws are able to tread easily on a wide variety of terrains, especially snow. There is a slight webbing between each toe, which allows them to move over snow more easily than comparatively hampered prey. 9. Writing to ExpressThe author simply tells how she or he feelsabout the topic.The author does not ask others to feel or thinkthe same way.It contains mainly opinions. 10. Sample of writing to express Hold on to your hat and your home, but let your imagination soar. The Caldecott medalists latest masterly picture book will blow you away along with the pigs homes. Satisfying both as a story and as an exploration of story, The Three Pigs takes visual narrative to a new level. 11. Authors Point of View When analyzing a passage for the authors main purpose or reason for writing, look at: The facts andThe intended authorsaudience opinionspurpose 12. The Underground Railroad The Underground Railroad was a secretorganization which helped slaves escape tofreedom. Many slaves were able to escapebecause of the conductors and stationmasters. The northern states were free statesand slaves were free once they arrived in thenorth. Secret codes and signals were used toidentify the conductors and station masters. 13. Underground RailroadWhat is the authors purpose for writing the article?a. To express his opinions about the undergroundrailroad.b. To inform readers about the conductors of theunderground railroad.c. To explain what the underground railroad was. 14. Analyze the text What are the facts orauthors opinions?Who is the audience What is the topic?It was a secret organization Many slaveswere helped to escapeAnyone Underground Secret codes were railroad used 15. Underground RailroadWhat is the authors purpose for writing the article?a. To express his opinions about the underground railroad.b. To inform readers about the conductors of theunderground railroad.c. To explain what the underground railroad was. Expressinform/explain 16. Writing to ExpressThe author simply tells how she or he feelsabout the topic.The author does not ask others to feel or thinkthe same way.It contains mainly opinions. 17. Underground RailroadWhat is the authors purpose for writing the article?a. To express his opinions about the underground railroad.b. To inform readers about the conductors of theunderground railroad.c. To explain what the underground railroad was. Expressinform/explain 18. Writing to inform The author provides information about a topic. The writing contains mainly facts. The author rarely expresses his opinion. 19. Underground RailroadWhat is the authors purpose for writing the article?a. To express his opinions about the undergroundrailroad.b. To inform readers about the conductors of theunderground railroad.c. To explain what the underground railroad was. 20. The end