Question

What is the author trying to accomplish? To persuade, entertain, inform, educate, call to action, shock? How do you know?

a) To persuade
b) To entertain
c) To inform
d) To educate
e) To call to action
f) To shock

Answer 1

Determining an author's purpose involves analyzing the text for clues, such as context, language, and structure, to understand whether they aim to inform, entertain, persuade, educate, call to action, or shock the reader.

Step-by-step explanation:

When authors create text, whether it's a book, an article, a speech, or any other form of written work, they have a specific purpose in mind. This purpose could be to inform, which involves providing the reader with facts and details about a topic. It might be to entertain, offering a story or text that is enjoyable to read. If the author is attempting to persuade, they are trying to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or to take some form of action. A work to educate goes beyond just providing information by aiming to enhance the reader's understanding through detailed explanation and instruction.

Furthermore, a call to action is when the author wants the reader to perform a specific action after reading, such as signing a petition or making a change in personal habits. To shock implies the writer is trying to evoke a significant emotional response, often through surprising facts or statements.

To determine the author's purpose, one must look at the context, language, and structure of the text. For example, the use of emotive language, persuasive techniques, factual evidence, or narrative storytelling can all signal the author's intent. Identifying whether a document is meant as a factual account, a persuasive argument, or an entertaining narrative can also provide clues about the author's goals.