Author's Purpose — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The passage about recycling was written to entertain the reader.
Corrected: The passage about recycling was written to persuade the reader to recycle.
The corrected sentence is: "The passage about recycling was written to persuade the reader to recycle.". The original sentence "The passage about recycling was written to entertain the reader." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
A story about a puppy's silly adventures was written to inform.
Corrected: A story about a puppy's silly adventures was written to entertain.
The corrected sentence is: "A story about a puppy's silly adventures was written to entertain.". The original sentence "A story about a puppy's silly adventures was written to inform." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
An encyclopedia article about planets was written to persuade.
Corrected: An encyclopedia article about planets was written to inform.
The corrected sentence is: "An encyclopedia article about planets was written to inform.". The original sentence "An encyclopedia article about planets was written to persuade." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "The rain forest is home to millions of species..." The author's purpose is to inform.
Stating facts about the rainforest shows the author wants to teach the reader — the purpose is to inform.
2. "Buy our new sunscreen — your family deserves the best!" The author's purpose is to persuade.
The advertisement uses emotional language to convince readers to buy — the purpose is to persuade.
3. "Max giggled as the puppy licked his nose..." The author's purpose is to entertain.
Playful, humorous imagery shows the author's goal is to entertain the reader.
4. The three types of author's purpose can be remembered using the acronym PIE.', a: 'PIE'
PIE stands for Persuade, Inform, and Entertain — the three main author's purposes.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Read: "You MUST recycle. Our planet is dying." What is the author's purpose? Use evidence from the text to explain.
Sample answer: The author's purpose is to persuade. The word "MUST" and the urgent statement "Our planet is dying" are meant to convince the reader to take action and recycle.
Urgent imperative language ('MUST') and emotional statements are hallmarks of persuasive writing.
2. Why would an author write a funny story about a character getting into silly situations? How does this differ from an informational article?
Sample answer: The author's purpose is to entertain — to amuse or engage the reader. This differs from an informational article, which aims to inform by teaching facts and real information with a factual, objective tone.
Entertainment focuses on engagement and enjoyment; informational writing focuses on factual content and teaching.