Author’s Purpose

Wynne Intermediate School – 4th Grade

Objective

• Identify author’s purpose by figuring out whether a reading passage was written to describe, entertain, explain, or persuade.

To DESCRIBE

• If a reading passage contains many DETAILS about a person, place or thing

To ENTERTAIN

• If a reading passage is enjoyable to read, tells a personal story, or uses a story to teach a lesson

To EXPLAIN

• If a reading passage provides facts about a particular subject or tells readers how to do something

To PERSUADE

• If a reading passage tries to get readers to do something, buy something, or believe something

INFORM

• A pamphlet about how to protect yourself from the flu in the winter

• The author’s purpose is to…

ENTERTAIN

• A book about a funny adventure• The author’s purpose is to…

PERSUADE

• An advertisement• The author’s purpose is to…

DESCRIBE

• A paragraph about what Jupiter looks like

• The author’s purpose is to…

All About the NewsMany people start their day by reading the

newspaper. The newspaper is filled with ads, comics, and articles. Some articles are written to tell readers news about important events. The events may take place in their community. Other articles explain what is happening across the nation or around the world.

Another purpose of newspapers is to describe things. Articles often give a lot of details about events, people, and places.

Newspapers also try to persuade readers. The editorial pages are filled with writers’ opinions. Writers try to convince people to think or feel a certain way. Ads are found throughout the newspaper. Ads try to get people to buy goods.

Describe what it is like to work for a newspaper company

Try to get readers to buy newspapers

explain what is

found in a newspaper

All About the NewsYou know the purpose is to explain because the

article mainlyDescribes in detail a person, place, or thing

Tells a story most readers would enjoy

contains lots of facts

and information about something

Come to Jamaica!

Come visit the beautiful island of Jamaica. Nowhere else will you find so many natural wonders. Jamaica has miles and miles of soft, sandy beaches. There are also forests, mountains, and rivers. And don’t forget the spectacular waterfalls! It’s no surprise that the island’s name means “land of wood and water.”

While you’re here, you’ll enjoy day after day of warm weather. Jamaica has a tropical climate. This means there are no cold seasons. You also don’t want to miss the chance to go shopping. The outdoor marketplaces are exciting! Or just listen to the rhythm of Jamaican “talk.” Whatever you decide to do, Jamaica is the place for you.

Explain the history of Jamaica

Persuade readers to go to Jamaica

Describe Jamaica’s waterfalls

Sand Art

Gather spoons, a paintbrush, a glass jar, and bags of colored sand. Then spoon thin layers of sand into the jar. Spread each sand layer evenly with the paintbrush. Work carefully to avoid mixing colors. To vary the design, press the wooden end of the paintbrush against the jar wall and push down. The sand will move down, forming a pattern with points.

explain

persuade describe

A man went into a bakery and ordered a German-chocolate cake. “I’m very particular,” he told the baker. “The cake must be in the shape of the letter B. Can you do that for me?”

“It won’t be easy,” the baker answered. “I’ll have to make the cake by hand, and it will take three days. But I’m sure you’ll be happy with it.”

Three days later, the man returned. But when he saw his cake, his face fell. “I‘m sorry,” he said. “It’s not your fault, but I can’t accept this cake. I guess I forgot to mention that is has to be in the shape of a lowercase b. I’ll pay you anyway, but would you please try again?”

“It’s your money,” said the baker with a sigh. “It’ll take another three days, but I want my customers to be happy.”

Three days later, the customer came back. “The cake looks wonderful,” he said. “It’s exactly what I wanted.”

“Great,” replied the baker. “Let me put it in a box for you.”“That’s okay” the man said. “I’m going to eat it right here.” To describe

what the man wanted

to make readers

hungry for German chocolate cake

to amuse readers

with details about a man’s fussy ways

The story was written mainly to

Entertain readers with a ridiculous story

Convince readers that it’s not good to be fussy

explain why the baker was eager to please his customer