Final answer:
An author may use informal language to both entertain and persuade the reader, engaging them through a conversational tone and direct address. It is less common for informal language to be used when the primary purpose is to inform, where a more formal tone is generally preferred.
Step-by-step explanation:
An author may use informal language and speak directly to the reader for several purposes, often related to the author's intent and the intended audience. Specifically, informal language can be utilized to entertain the reader with a more conversational tone that might include humor or casual dialogue. This approach creates a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, conducive to storytelling and entertainment.
In addition to entertaining, an author might also employ informal language to persuade. By speaking directly to the reader, the author can create a sense of familiarity and trust, which can be highly effective in arguments and persuasive texts. This strategy might involve using rhetorical questions, colloquial expressions, or anecdotes that resonate with the reader's experiences and beliefs.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is d) Both A and B, as an author may use informal language and direct address in writing to both entertain and persuade the reader. When it comes to informing, authors typically adopt a more formal tone that conveys credibility and authority on the subject matter.