Author's Purpose

An author's purpose is his or her intent or reason for writing about a topic or idea. Most authors use one or more of the following purposes for writing.

To Inform
This type of writing seeks to explain or provide information about a topic. Some key characteristics of informational purpose include:

Authors assume that the readers have little or no prior knowledge of the subject
The narrative provides detailed information about the topic
All details in the writing are supported by relevant facts
Examples: newspaper articles, encyclopedias, and textbooks

To Persuade
This type of writing tries to convince readers to agree with the author’s opinion and viewpoint of a topic or idea. Key characteristics about this type of purpose include:

Presents a clear claim or idea
Provides supporting evidence to back up all arguments or claims
Examples: advertisements, editorials, reviews of books and movies, and some speeches

To Entertain
This type of writing is meant to be read for enjoyment and can include both fictional and non-fictional works. Some characteristics of entertaining purpose are:

Work appeals to the reader’s emotions
Usually told through a story that includes a gripping plot, interesting characters and setting, and a central idea
Examples: short stories, memoirs, novels, plays, and poetry

To Instruct
This type of writing seeks to provide readers with clear directions on how to complete a task. Characteristics of instructional purpose include:

Provides step-by-step information on how to complete a process or achieve a goal
May use second-person point of view
Can be similar to informational purpose
Examples: instruction manuals, recipes, and traveling directions

To Express
This type of writing allows the writer to share his or her feelings about a specific topic. Unlike persuasive purpose, it doesn’t ask readers to agree with the author. Some characteristics of expressive purpose are:

Provides readers with the author’s opinions or feelings
Authors may reflect on their lives or experiences
Can be similar to informational or entertaining purposes
Examples: diary or journal entries, blogs, and poems