Which Two Factors Combine To Form An Author's Purpose For Writing A Text?
Have you ever been tricked by a text? Have you ever read something that threw you off or finished a piece and felt you had no idea what to do next? Have you ever read a fascinating book and wondered what inspired the author to make that world? Was it to make an exciting escape, or was there something more hidden in the pages? You may have laughed out loud at a funny article, but have you considered why the author wrote it? Was it just meant to make you laugh, or was it meant to get you to think about things differently?
What Are the Author’s Purpose for Writing a Text?
The truth is that every piece of writing has a secret code hidden inside it. There is no invisible ink on this code, but it's still there. By breaking this code, you can find out what the author wanted you to get out of their work and why they wrote what they did.
Traditionally, an author's purpose has been broken down into three main areas:
- Persuade
- Inform
- Entertain
These groups are an excellent place to start, but they don't cover all the reasons people write.
But we'll get inside writers' thoughts and discover what is author's purpose behind their words. It will explore the traditional three purposes and a range of other purposes like expressing feelings, instructing, and even satirizing. This will give you the skills to understand any text you come across.
The PIE Method
The PIE method is valuable for identifying an author's purpose definition. It stands for:
1. Persuade
The author aims to convince readers to adopt a particular viewpoint or action.
Explanation:
Persuasive texts function as arguments, presenting a case to sway the reader's opinion or behavior. They often use emotional appeals, logical reasoning, and evidence to support their claims.
Example:
A political speech urging voters to support a specific candidate.
How to Identify:
Look for persuasive language like "should," "must," or claims highlighting a particular action's benefits. Persuasive texts often conclude with a clear call to action.
2. Inform
The author primarily aims to educate the reader by presenting factual information.
Explanation:
Informative texts are knowledge providers to increase the reader's understanding of a specific subject. They often include detailed explanations, statistics, and breakdowns of complex concepts.
Example:
A scientific journal article exploring the latest research on climate change.
How to Identify:
Watch for keywords like "because," "to," or phrases that introduce facts and figures. Informative texts tend to be objective and unbiased in their presentation.
3. Entertain
The author's purpose in this excerpt is to amuse or engage the reader through storytelling, humor, or creative expression.
Explanation:
Entertaining texts prioritize creating a pleasurable experience for the reader. They might employ humor, suspense, vivid descriptions, or captivating narratives to keep you hooked.
Example:
A fantasy novel with mythical creatures and epic quests that leave you on edge.
How to Identify:
Look for elements like figurative language, dialogue, and a focus on plot development that keeps the story moving. Entertaining texts often evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.
Beyond the PIE
While the author's purpose PIE provides a valuable framework, authors can have a purpose in literature beyond these three categories. Here's a look at the bigger picture of authorial intent:
4. Express Feelings
The author's purpose in writing is also as a cathartic outlet, sharing experiences, exploring personal thoughts, or simply venting their emotions.
Explanation:
This purpose is often seen in personal essays, poetry, or journals. The focus is on the author's inner world and their unique perspective on life's experiences.
Example:
A poem filled with raw emotion that expresses the author's grief after a personal loss.
5. Describe
The author's primary goal is to paint a vivid picture with words, creating a sensory experience for the reader.
Explanation:
Descriptive texts use rich language that appeals to the five senses – sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste – to transport the reader into the scene.
Example:
A travel blog post that uses vivid descriptions to capture the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling marketplace in a foreign country.
6. Satirize
The author uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to expose and criticize societal flaws or injustices.
Explanation:
Satirical texts often employ sarcasm, wit, and caricature to highlight absurdity in a way that makes us laugh while prompting critical reflection.
Example:
A political cartoon that uses humor to poke fun at a corrupt politician.
7. Instruct
The author aims to provide step-by-step instructions or guidance on completing a task.
Explanation:
Instructional texts are typically clear and concise, offering a structured approach to achieving a specific goal. They often employ numbered lists, bullet points, and visuals for better understanding.
Example:
A recipe that provides clear instructions on how to bake a delicious cake.
8. Analyze
The author thoroughly examines a topic or issue, often presenting different perspectives and arguments. They might aim to deconstruct a complex problem or offer a fresh interpretation of an existing idea.
Example:
A literary criticism essay that analyzes the symbolism and themes present in a novel.
9. Celebrate
The author uses writing to express joy, commemorate an event, or pay tribute to someone or something.
Example:
A poem celebrating the beauty of nature or a personal essay written in memory of a loved one.
10. Inspire
The author aims to motivate or uplift the reader, encouraging them to take action or pursue a particular dream.
Example:
A motivational speech delivered by a successful entrepreneur.
Which article is most likely written to persuade readers?
The article "Manners Make the Man" is most likely written to persuade readers.
Here's why:
- Persuasive writing aims to convince readers of a particular viewpoint. Titles that directly state an opinion or value judgment, like "Manners Make the Man," often signal this intent.
- Informative titles, like "The History of Dinner Etiquette," focus on providing knowledge rather than changing readers' minds.
- Titles that focus on entertainment or practicality, like "Five One-Dish Dinners," are less likely to have a persuasive purpose.
Of course, just the title isn't definitive. But it's a vital clue that "Manners Make the Man" is trying to convince you of the importance of etiquette.
Conclusion:
By thinking about these other goals, you get a better sense of the variety of reasons why authors write what they do. Remember that figuring out what an author wants to say often takes detective work. Look for hints in the writing itself. Pay attention to the general content, tone, style, and language. After some practice, you can figure out what the authors purpose is!
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