Author's Purpose

Grade 6 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.2.3

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What is Author's Purpose?

Author's purpose is the reason an author writes a text. Every time someone writes, they have a goal in mind. Understanding the author's purpose helps you read more critically and understand why the text is written the way it is. Authors also use specific techniques to achieve their purpose!

The P.I.E.E. Framework: Four Main Purposes

P - PERSUADE

To convince you to believe something or take action

Examples: Ads, editorials, speeches, reviews, campaign materials

I - INFORM

To give you facts and information about a topic

Examples: News articles, encyclopedias, textbooks, reports

E - ENTERTAIN

To amuse, engage, or create an emotional response

Examples: Stories, novels, poems, jokes, comics, movies

E - EXPLAIN

To help you understand how or why something works

Examples: How-to guides, science explanations, tutorials, manuals

Important: Many texts combine multiple purposes! A documentary might inform AND entertain. An ad might persuade AND explain.

Techniques Authors Use to Achieve Their Purpose

Word Choice Emotional words persuade; neutral words inform
Tone Serious, playful, urgent, calm - matches the purpose
Evidence Facts, statistics, examples support the message
Structure How info is organized supports the goal
Imagery Vivid descriptions engage readers emotionally
Call to Action Tells readers what to do (persuade)

The Three Rhetorical Appeals: How Authors Persuade

ETHOS (Credibility)

Using expertise or trustworthiness to convince

"As a doctor with 20 years of experience..."

PATHOS (Emotion)

Using feelings to connect with readers

"Imagine how you'd feel if..."

LOGOS (Logic)

Using facts, data, and reasoning

"Studies show that 75% of..."

Let's Practice: Identify the Purpose

Text A: "Our planet is facing a climate crisis, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. Rising temperatures are destroying habitats, melting ice caps, and threatening our future. YOU have the power to make a difference. Join the Green Youth Movement today. Together, we can create the change our Earth desperately needs. Sign up now at GreenYouth.org and be part of the solution!"

Purpose: PERSUADE - The author wants readers to join an organization and take action on climate change.

Techniques Used:

Text B: "The Amazon rainforest covers approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, spanning nine countries in South America. It contains about 10% of all species on Earth and produces approximately 20% of the world's oxygen. The forest is home to over 400 billion individual trees representing around 16,000 species. Scientists continue to discover new species in the Amazon each year."

Purpose: INFORM - The author wants to teach readers facts about the Amazon rainforest.

Techniques Used:

Your Turn!

1. Read the passage and identify the author's purpose:

"Maya stared at the blank canvas, her heart pounding. The art competition was in three hours. Suddenly, inspiration struck like lightning. Her brush danced across the canvas, creating swirls of color that seemed to pulse with life. When she finally stepped back, she gasped. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever created."

What is the author's purpose?

What techniques did the author use?

2. Which author's purpose matches each text type?
A recipe for chocolate chip cookies
A commercial for a new video game
A Wikipedia article about ancient Egypt
A mystery novel
3. Which rhetorical appeal is being used?

"Nine out of ten dentists recommend this toothpaste for healthier gums."

4. A text can have more than one purpose. A documentary about endangered animals might:

Primary purpose:

Secondary purpose:

Questions to Ask When Identifying Author's Purpose

Remember: Author's purpose is WHY they wrote. Main idea is WHAT it's about. These are different things!

FAST Success Kit | Grade 6 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.2.3