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:
A magazine article explaining how volcanoes erupt was written to persuade readers.
Corrected: A magazine article explaining how volcanoes erupt was written to inform readers.
A magazine article explaining how volcanoes erupt shares factual, scientific information, so the purpose is to inform, not persuade.
2. Fix the sentence:
A campaign poster that says "Vote for Maria — she's the best choice!" was written to entertain.
Corrected: A campaign poster that says "Vote for Maria — she's the best choice!" was written to persuade.
A campaign poster urging people to vote for someone uses persuasive language like "she's the best choice" to convince readers, so the purpose is to persuade, not entertain.
3. Fix the sentence:
A comic strip about a cat chasing a laser pointer was written to inform the reader.
Corrected: A comic strip about a cat chasing a laser pointer was written to entertain the reader.
A comic strip with a silly scenario like a cat chasing a laser pointer is designed to amuse readers, so the purpose is to entertain, not inform.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "Dolphins are mammals that breathe air and live in the ocean." The author's purpose is to inform.
This sentence shares a biological fact about dolphins using neutral, objective language, which signals that the author's purpose is to inform.
2. "Don't miss our grand opening sale — everything is 50% off!" The author's purpose is to persuade.
Phrases like "Don't miss" and "50% off" create urgency and encourage the reader to take action, which means the purpose is to persuade.
3. "The wizard sneezed, and a flock of rubber ducks appeared out of thin air." The author's purpose is to entertain.
The silly, imaginative image of rubber ducks magically appearing from a wizard's sneeze is meant to make the reader laugh, so the purpose is to entertain.
4. An author's tone is the attitude or feeling expressed through word choice in a text.
Tone refers to the attitude or feeling an author conveys through specific word choices, such as using cheerful words for a happy tone or harsh words for an angry one.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Read: "Switch to our toothpaste today — dentists agree it whitens teeth in just one week!" What is the author's purpose? What words helped you decide?
Sample answer: The author's purpose is to persuade. The words "switch to," "today," and "dentists agree" are meant to convince the reader to buy the toothpaste by creating urgency and authority.
A good answer includes: The author's purpose is to persuade. The words "switch to," "today," and "dentists agree" are meant to convince the reader to buy the toothpaste by creating urgency and authority.
2. How can you tell the difference between a text written to inform and one written to entertain? Give one clue for each.
Sample answer: A text written to inform includes facts, data, or definitions and uses a neutral tone. A text written to entertain uses vivid descriptions, dialogue, or humor to engage the reader's imagination.
A good answer includes: A text written to inform includes facts, data, or definitions and uses a neutral tone. A text written to entertain uses vivid descriptions, dialogue, or humor to engage the reader's imagination.