Author's Purpose | Practice Worksheet

Directions: Read each passage carefully. Then answer the questions about the author's purpose. Remember PIE: Persuade, Inform, Entertain.

Passage 1

Our school cafeteria should serve more fruits and vegetables. Right now, students only get one choice of fruit and one vegetable. This is not enough! Kids need at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day to stay healthy. If the cafeteria offered more options, students would eat better and feel more energized during class. Please talk to the principal about adding more healthy choices to our lunch menu!

Questions About Passage 1

1. What is the author's MAIN purpose for writing this passage?

○ A. To entertain readers with a funny story about lunch ○ B. To inform readers about nutrition facts ○ C. To persuade readers to support more healthy food options ○ D. To explain how the cafeteria prepares food

2. Which words from the passage show the author's purpose is to persuade?

Passage 2

Tornadoes are powerful spinning columns of air that touch the ground. They form when warm, moist air meets cold, dry air, causing the atmosphere to become unstable. Tornadoes can spin at speeds over 300 miles per hour. The United States has more tornadoes than any other country, with most occurring in an area called "Tornado Alley." Scientists use special radar to track tornadoes and warn people to take shelter.

Questions About Passage 2

3. The author wrote this passage MOST LIKELY to—

○ A. persuade readers to move away from Tornado Alley ○ B. entertain readers with an exciting tornado adventure ○ C. inform readers about what tornadoes are and how they form ○ D. convince readers to become weather scientists

4. What evidence shows the author's purpose is to inform?

Passage 3

"I can't believe it!" shouted Ellie as she stared at the mirror. Overnight, her hair had turned bright purple! She hadn't done anything different—same shampoo, same bed, same everything. When she went downstairs, her little brother Jake burst out laughing. "What did you DO?" he asked between giggles. That's when Ellie noticed Jake's hands were stained purple. "JAKE!" she yelled, chasing him around the kitchen table.

Questions About Passage 3

5. What is the author's MAIN purpose?

○ A. To inform readers about hair dye ○ B. To entertain readers with a funny sibling story ○ C. To persuade readers to check their shampoo ○ D. To explain how pranks work

6. How can you tell the author's purpose is to entertain? Give one example from the text.

Passage 4

Have you visited the new City Aquarium yet? It's the most amazing place in town! With over 500 species of sea creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish, there's something for everyone. Kids love the touch tank where they can feel real starfish and sea urchins. The aquarium also has a great gift shop and delicious snacks. Don't miss out—buy your tickets today!

Questions About Passage 4

7. The author wrote this passage to—

○ A. teach readers facts about ocean animals ○ B. persuade readers to visit the aquarium ○ C. tell a story about a visit to the aquarium ○ D. explain how aquariums take care of animals

8. What does the author want readers to DO after reading this passage?

Passage 5

Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly. There are over 1,400 species of bats around the world. While some people think bats are scary, they are actually very helpful. Many bats eat insects, including mosquitoes. A single bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in just one hour! Other bats help plants by spreading pollen and seeds as they fly from flower to flower.

Questions About Passage 5

9. What is the author's MAIN purpose?

○ A. To scare readers about bats ○ B. To inform readers about bats and why they are helpful ○ C. To persuade readers to protect bats ○ D. To entertain readers with a bat adventure story

10. The author includes the fact that "a single bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in just one hour" to—

○ A. make readers laugh at how hungry bats are ○ B. convince readers to buy a bat ○ C. show readers how helpful bats can be ○ D. explain what mosquitoes taste like

Challenge Questions

11. Can a text have more than one purpose? Explain your thinking.

12. Write a sentence that has the purpose to PERSUADE someone to read more books.