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. Examples include newspaper articles, encyclopedias, and textbooks. Here are some key characteristics of informational purpose:

Authors assume that 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.

To Persuade

This type of writing tries to convince readers to agree with the author’s opinion and viewpoint of a topic or idea. Examples include advertisements, editorials, reviews of books and movies, and some speeches. Here are some key characteristics about this type of purpose:

The narrative presents a clear claim or idea.
Supporting evidence backs up all arguments or claims.

To Entertain

This type of writing is meant to be read for enjoyment and can include both fictional and nonfictional works. Examples include short stories, memoirs, novels, plays, essays, and poetry. Here are some characteristics of entertaining as a purpose:

The work appeals to the reader’s emotions.
The writer usually tells a story through a gripping plot, interesting characters and setting, and a central idea.

To Instruct

This type of writing seeks to provide readers with clear directions on how to complete a task. Examples include instruction manuals, recipes, and traveling directions. Here are some characteristics of instruction as a purpose:

Step-by-step information is provided for to complete a process or achieve a goal.
The writer may use a second-person point of view.
The approach can be similar to writing for an informational purpose.

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. Examples include diary and journal entries, blogs, editorials, memoirs, poems, and essays. Here are some characteristics of expression as a purpose:

Authors present their opinions or feelings.
Authors may reflect on their lives or experiences.
The approach may be similar to writing for informational or entertainment purposes.