English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Identify the purpose of a text
Identify the purpose of a text
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define author's purpose and identify the three main reasons for writing: to persuade, to inform, and to entertain.
Differentiate between a text meant to persuade and a text meant to inform by analyzing word choice.
Identify the author's purpose in a short, grade-level text by looking for specific clues and evidence.
Explain how text features like titles, headings, and images can help reveal the author's purpose.
Connect the author's purpose to the overall tone of a passage (e.g., serious, funny, urgent).
Articulate the purpose of a text and support their conclusion with at least two pieces of evidence from the text.
Have you ever tried to convince your parents to get a new pet or told a friend a hilarious story? 🐾 You had a reason, or...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Author's PurposeThe main reason an author decides to write about a specific topic. It's what the author wants the reader to think, feel, or do after reading.The author's purpose in writing 'The Three Little Pigs' is to entertain children with a story that also teaches a lesson about hard work.
To PersuadeThe author wants to convince you to agree with their opinion, believe something, or do something.A poster that says, 'Vote for Sarah for Class President! She's the Best Choice!' is written to persuade.
To InformThe author wants to give you facts, details, and true information about a subject.A textbook chapter about the life cycle of a butterfly is written to inform.
To EntertainThe author wants to tell a story or describe some...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The PIE Method
Author's Purpose usually falls into one of three categories: Persuade, Inform, or Entertain (PIE).
When you read a text, ask yourself: Is the author trying to convince me (Persuade)? Is the author teaching me facts (Inform)? Or is the author telling me a story for fun (Entertain)? This is the first and most important question to ask.
Look for Facts vs. Opinions
Informational texts are full of facts. Persuasive texts mix facts with opinions.
A fact is a statement that can be proven true (e.g., 'The Earth revolves around the Sun'). An opinion is a belief or feeling (e.g., 'Chocolate is the best ice cream flavor'). If you see a lot of opinions, the purpose is likely to persuade.
Examine Text Features
Titles, headings, charts, and ph...
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Challenging
Read the passage: 'The old lighthouse stood on the cliff, its light cutting through the fog. Inside, a lonely keeper named Silas missed the sea. One night, a tiny, lost bird tapped on the glass. Silas let it in, and from that day on, he had a friend.' What is the author's purpose, and which sentence best supports it?
A.To inform; 'The old lighthouse stood on the cliff...'
B.To persuade; '...he had a friend.'
C.To entertain; '...a tiny, lost bird tapped on the glass.'
D.To instruct; 'Silas let it in...'
Challenging
An article describes the health benefits of eating vegetables, citing scientific studies. It ends with the sentence: 'So, for a healthier and happier life, make sure to add a serving of greens to every meal!' How does the author blend two purposes in this article?
A.By entertaining with facts and persuading with a story.
B.By informing with a story and entertaining with facts.
C.By informing with scientific facts and then persuading with a direct recommendation.
D.By persuading with opinions and then informing with a fictional narrative.
Challenging
An author writes a fictional story about a boastful rabbit who loses a race to a slow-and-steady tortoise. Which statement best describes the author's dual purpose?
A.To entertain with a classic story and to persuade the reader that 'slow and steady wins the race.'
B.To inform about the biology of rabbits and to entertain with a race.
C.To persuade readers to buy pet tortoises and to inform them about racing.
D.To entertain with animal characters and to inform readers about different habitats.
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