Why Did the Author Write This?

Authors always have a reason for writing. It could be to inform, entertain, persuade, or explain something. Understanding the author's purpose helps you know why the text was written and what to watch out for.

Common Purposes

• To Inform: Gives you facts or teaches you something.
• To Persuade: Tries to convince you of an idea or opinion.
• To Entertain: Stories, poems, or comics that are fun to read.

Recognizing Point of View

Point of view is how the story is told:

• First person: "I" or "we"
• Third person: "he," "she," or "they"

Knowing the point of view helps you understand the story's perspective and the author's feelings about the topic.

Everyday Uses

Recognizing ads that try to persuade, or understanding news articles that aim to inform, will help you be a smarter reader—and consumer!