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Author's Purpose Worksheets

The author's purpose is his or her reason for writing a text, paragraph, or line. There are many reasons why people write paragraphs or lines, but when we look at why people write texts, there are three main reasons. These are to entertain, persuade, and inform. Examples of text written to entertain include stories, poems, and dramas. Examples of texts written to persuade include essays and ads. And examples of texts written to inform include encyclopedia entries and text books.

It's important to note that the study of author's purpose is not so much a science as it is an art. In other words, the author's purpose can be to inform and persuade in some cases, or to entertain and inform. In the following worksheets I have tried to include only clear examples. You may want to discuss the more ambiguous ones in your classroom, however. It may make for a great discussion. Click here for to learn more about author's purpose and watch an informational video.

Author's Purpose Worksheet 1
Here's a great activity to get started with finding the author's purpose. Students read the descriptions of ten texts and determine the author's purpose: inform, persuade, or entertain. Students explain how they got their answers.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose Worksheet 1. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose Worksheet 2
Here's another effective activity to give students lots of practice with finding the author's purpose. Students read the descriptions of the texts and determine whether the author's purpose is to inform, persuade, or entertain. Then they explain their answers.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose Worksheet 2. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose Worksheet 3
Here are thirteen more problems to give students practice identifying the author's purpose in a variety of texts. The texts range from comic books to directions to the mall, so this activity sheet will get your students thinking. There is also an online version available.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose Worksheet 3. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose Worksheet 4
Here are ten more author's purpose problems. Students consider the author's purpose in a variety of texts and explain their answers, adding an element of critical thinking to this reading activity.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose Worksheet 4. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose Worksheet 5
Are you still looking for practice with identifying the author's purpose in a variety of texts? Look no further. Here are ten more practice problems. Students are also required to think about and explain their answers.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose Worksheet 5. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose Worksheet 6
This author's purpose worksheet has eleven additional practice problems. Students read the descriptions of the texts and determine whether the author is attempting to entertain, inform, or persuade readers. Then, they explain their answers.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose Worksheet 6. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose Scavenger Hunt Activity
Here's a fun activity to get students moving and give them practice with identifying the author's purpose. Students search through a library of books to find examples of books written to entertain, inform, and persuade. This will give students practice with finding the author's purpose in real texts.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose Scavenger Hunt Activity. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose PowerPoint Lesson 1
Want to teach or learn about finding the author's purpose? Here is an animated slideshow presentation. It includes 10 review questions after the lesson.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose PowerPoint Lesson 1. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose PowerPoint Lesson 2
Here is another PowerPoint slideshow on Author's Purpose. This one is a revised and improved version of my first Author's Purpose lesson.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose PowerPoint Lesson 2. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose PowerPoint Lesson 3
Here is yet another PowerPoint presentation teaching author's purpose. This one is concise and well-designed. I recommend using this author's purpose lesson for teaching your students. It also includes ten new practice problems after the lesson not found in the other lessons.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose PowerPoint Lesson 3. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose Quiz 1
Want to evaluate how well your students understand author's purpose? Check out this author's purpose quiz. It has fifteen multiple-choice questions. Students must recognize the author's purpose in a variety of texts.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose Quiz 1. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
Author's Purpose Quiz 2
Looking for another quiz on author's purpose? Here are fifteen more multiple-choice problems. Students read a description of a text and determine whether it was written to entertain, inform, or persuade the reader.
This is a preview image of Author's Purpose Quiz 2. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.
 

Author's Purpose
Common Core State Standards

Author's Purpose Anchor Standards
R.6 - Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

RI.2.6 - Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe.
RI.6.6 - Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text.
RI.7.6 - Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others.
RI.8.6 - Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
RI.9-10.6 - Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
RI.11-12.6 - Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness or beauty of the text.
Click to VIEW Grade Level Standards for R.6
W.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
SL.4 - Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
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153 Comments

  1. Lin

     /  January 6, 2019

    Oh, my goodness, this is a great website and great lessons! I am so glad I’ve located it and you guys are sharing the love and the why of reading in such simple lessons. Thanks so!

    Reply
  2. Beverly Compton

     /  July 11, 2018

    Thank you for the helpful resources, Mr. Morton. I appreciate the site and being able to use them for my adult education and literacy class.

    Reply
  3. Naing

     /  May 6, 2018

    This is a wonderful resource for me to use it in my 8th grade thru 10 in Myanmar.
    I have found it while searching for reading comprehension materials to do so.

    Thanks
    Naing

    Reply
  4. Leigh Sutherland

     /  December 12, 2017

    I found this site while searching for 5th grade lesson plans. When I looked at the worksheets on author’s purpose, I found them similar to others I previously used. I do not understand how yours can be intended for older students. I have taught author’s purpose to second grade students and was surprised to see the topic as a result for the 5th grade for which I had searched. When I read the article I was surprised further to find the age level at which you teach this topic. Is this a review or is it presented as new information? Please understand this question is not asked with negativity. I am truly interested at the discrepancy and your answer.

    Reply
  5. Penelope

     /  November 28, 2017

    Wow, thank you so much for making all of these useful resources available to us. I feel like I’ve stumbled upon gold! Keep up the great work.

    Reply
  6. Sandi

     /  September 13, 2017

    The exercises and examples are invaluable to any teacher who teaches English. I appreciate all the useful activities and informative presentations. Anyone who says that these resources are anything less than amazing should probably get a hobby besides sticking their noses in other teacher’s business. A heartfelt thank you for your time and effort in making these and generosity to share them.

    Reply
  7. Ali

     /  September 13, 2017

    great work…

    Reply
  8. S.

     /  March 22, 2017

    Fabulous! Thank you.

    Reply
  9. Trish

     /  March 3, 2017

    I just stumpled upon this website, absolutely love it! Thanks for all the work you’ve put in.

    Reply
  10. SJ

     /  February 7, 2017

    Fantastic resources.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  11. anonymous

     /  January 6, 2017

    thanks for such a great website

    Reply
  12. jette tuca

     /  December 7, 2016

    Thank you, thank you, thank you so so very much!

    Reply
  13. Malka

     /  May 23, 2016

    Thank you so much for these worksheets! extremely helpful.. I used the inference ones in my classroom and really liked them:)

    Reply
  14. mickie

     /  March 30, 2016

    Thank you for all your hard work. Great resources!!

    Reply
  15. Mrs Nabila

     /  March 30, 2016

    Dear all,
    I am using this valuable resource of learning to teach my kids and they are enjoying every bit of reading, and most importantly answering the questions.
    What a wonderful resource of learning, you really desreve a bunch of thankyous!
    Ver well done to you!!

    Reply
  16. Nabila

     /  March 30, 2016

    I was always wondering what kind of questions i should ask my kids to assess their understanding, when suddendly I came accross your very valuable website ! I was very excited to use them with with my kids and I did ! My kids are really enjoying all those different precious resources , a very well done to all of you, and thanks a bunch!

    Reply
  17. Matthew B

     /  March 17, 2016

    Your materials are so organized of such a great quality. I used the “types of conflict” materials for my Character Education class. Such a great resource, and the kids found the scenarios funny – they enjoyed reading them. How fantastic. Thank you over and over.

    Reply
  18. Mustapha

     /  March 14, 2016

    Mr. Morton.

    I am MUSTAPHA from Morocco. I would like to thank you for all these resources. They are of great help to me. You must have had a hard time to provide all this rich content.

    Reply
  19. betty

     /  January 18, 2016

    thank u so much for posting these ppt slides and everything else. u just saved me a great deal of stress for tomorrow’s observations.

    Reply
  20. em

     /  October 3, 2015

    This is really a big help….Thanks!!!!!!

    Reply
  21. Marie

     /  September 20, 2015

    I’m teaching resource room this year and we’re focusing on Common Core skills.

    This site is such an amazing resource. I can’t thank you enough!

    Reply
  22. Evette

     /  August 29, 2015

    I am an English teacher and facilitator at Puerto Rico. I would like to use your resources to reinforce students for College Board test, is very important to me have your approval. I really think your work and effort in doing these worksheets is amazing. I have enjoyed going reading and know that the students will be able to understand and benefit from this material. I will present the bibliography and give credit from where it was taken. I’ll be waiting for you answer?
    Thanks.

    Reply
  23. Sam Bond

     /  May 4, 2015

    Mr. Morton,
    I am a junior English teacher in New Zealand. I have just discovered your resources and have shared the web page with colleagues.
    Your materials are fantastic.
    I do have a question for you – you comment about “access to a literature textbook” – could you please tell me the name of the textbook, authors and publishers?
    Thank you for your time.

    Sam

    Reply
  24. Denise Dean

     /  April 8, 2015

    Mr. Morton,
    I am a history teacher who found myself taking over an English class mid-year. I was asked to help prepare the kids for their 8th grade reading test. I did not know where to start. Your resources saved my bacon. Thank you!

    Reply
  25. miro

     /  January 30, 2015

    Greeeaaaaaat job!!!!! Thank u sooo much

    Reply
  26. Ms. Mitch

     /  January 7, 2015

    I love the worksheets on Authors Purpose, however is possible that you can create some that are age (subject/ content) appropriate for lower/primary grades? This is a very big standard for 2nd grade Common Core standards. However, I do love the site. sometimes it’s just hard to find things that are appropriate for the little ones.

    Reply
  27. elaine

     /  December 8, 2014

    Thank you so much for inventing this website. it is of great help to me and my students.

    Please have a great Holiday Season!
    Best wishes…..

    Elaine

    Reply
  28. abril

     /  December 4, 2014

    Thank you so much! What great resources.

    Reply
  29. walid

     /  November 28, 2014

    Thanks a lot for your wonderful efforts

    Reply
  30. Anntoinnette DeVine

     /  October 20, 2014

    I am very, very, very grateful for your your work! Your materials have been a life-saver! Thank you!

    Reply
  31. Eva Cant

     /  October 2, 2014

    An amazing feat of literacy engineering. I am currently gobbling up your juicy resources and information in sunny Gibraltar where I teach. Thanks ever so much for your obvious and admirable dedication – you are an asset!!! Have a fabulous academic year!! Eva šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • I reaching people in areas that I can only dream of visiting. Thank you for taking the time to comment, and may your year go smoothly and profitably as well.

      Reply
  32. Eva

     /  October 2, 2014

    Dear sir, what a fab resource and learning bank!! A feat of literacy engineering!!! I am commenting from sunny Gibraltar where I am gobbling up your tasy resources!!! Super thanks!! An admirable dedication to your vocation and profession. Super thanks, Eva šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Your words are too kind. I’m happy that you were able to find me while located somewhere I can only dream of going. Best wishes!

      Morton

      Reply
  33. Lorna joson

     /  September 25, 2014

    I love you!, you saved my life!

    Reply
  34. Morton / September 22, 2011
    Iā€™m sorry.
    But none currently exists.

    Oh wait:

    1. entertain
    2. inform
    3. entertain
    4. inform
    5. persuade (Isiah Thomas actually came to our school. This is a reference to that visit. It was pretty cool.)
    6. inform
    7. inform
    8. entertain
    9. persuade
    10. inform
    11. persuade/inform (both can be argued. Read their arguments.)
    12. entertain
    13. persuade/inform (both can be argued. Read their arguments.)

    Reply
    camille

    Reply
  35. Thanks for making this website it helps a lot

    Reply
  36. Sharon

     /  October 3, 2013

    Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  37. Stephanie

     /  September 25, 2013

    I always struggle to find mini-lessons for my 6th grade reading class. Thank you for sharing your hard work!

    Reply
  38. Janet

     /  June 12, 2013

    I would like to use your resource but want to give you credit for your work. What is the correct way to site this information?

    Reply
  39. Glenda Munoz

     /  April 28, 2013

    I’m a 6th grade teacher, and I’m trying to teach Author’s purpose and this year we added “To Express”. Would you have lesssons to teach.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Not currently, although I will consider adding this in the future. Thank you for the suggestion.

      Reply
  40. CHERYL

     /  April 10, 2013

    Great resource!

    Reply
  41. Jnet1

     /  March 23, 2013

    This is a great website for differentiated instruction! Thanks for creating it!

    Reply
  42. Connie

     /  March 5, 2013

    THANKS!!! This is awesome and free!!!!Yippie>>>>>>>>>

    5th grade

    Reply
  43. Monica

     /  February 14, 2013

    Thanks for the wonderful website. A teacher can never have enough resources.

    Reply
  44. lettie

     /  February 11, 2013

    A teacher at my campus told me about this site and I absolutely love it. There are many useful activites that are related to real-life that will fit perfectly to our state TEKS. Thanks and God Bless

    Reply
  45. Kim

     /  January 30, 2013

    Thank you for this wonderful resource!

    Reply
  46. Thouraya

     /  January 26, 2013

    looking for reading skills worksheets to use for a student remediation program, I’ve found this valuable resource, many thanks for the person who shared it online.

    Reply
  47. anonymous

     /  January 21, 2013

    this website can help alot of people

    Reply
  48. ARELIS

     /  December 5, 2012

    Thank you for creating this great website. Very informative. Blessings. Arelis

    Reply
  49. Adel

     /  December 5, 2012

    Magnificent! Preparing for English First Additional Language Grade 8 [2013] and was astonished to find this.

    Teaching in a rural town named Upington in South Africa and appreciate the treasure that I have come across today!

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • The world is an amazing place.

      Reply
    • Joyce Clemons

       /  April 18, 2014

      These free worksheets are worth every penny! We have particular interest in the ones being used inappropriately by teachers showing poor judgement regarding age-appropriate content.

      Reply
  50. Krista

     /  November 29, 2012

    I really enjoy using all of these materials in my 6th grade Literacy class.

    Reply

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