Author's Purpose
Why Did They Write It?

Every writer has a reason for writing. Learn to figure out whether an author wants to persuade, inform, or entertain you.

ISEE Lower Level Reading

What Is Author's Purpose?

The author's purpose is the main reason a writer chose to write something. It is the answer to one simple question:

When you read, the author is trying to do something to you, the reader. They might want to change your mind, teach you a fact, or just make you smile.

The Three Main Purposes

Most reading passages fit into one of three big purposes. Remember them with the letters P, I, E:

Persuade

To convince you to believe something or take action.

Inform

To teach you facts or explain how something works.

Entertain

To give you enjoyment through a story or fun writing.

A Slice of PIE

Purpose 1: Persuade

When the author wants to persuade, they are trying to change your mind or get you to do something. Look for opinions and strong words.

1

Opinion words: "best," "should," "must," "worst," "everyone."

2

A clear side: The author wants YOU to agree with them.

3

Example: "Recess should be longer because kids need more playtime!"

Purpose 2: Inform

When the author wants to inform, they are sharing facts to teach or explain. The writing sounds calm and is full of true information.

1

Facts and numbers: Dates, names, measurements, and steps.

2

No strong opinion: The author just explains, without taking a side.

3

Example: "A spider has eight legs and spins silk to catch insects."

Purpose 3: Entertain

When the author wants to entertain, they want you to enjoy the reading. It is usually a story, poem, or something funny or exciting.

1

Characters and plot: People or animals who do things and have feelings.

2

Fun language: Describing words, jokes, surprises, or rhymes.

3

Example: "Milo the mouse zoomed across the kitchen, chasing the rolling cheese!"

The Big Rule

Fact vs. Opinion

The trickiest part is telling persuade apart from inform. The secret is to spot facts versus opinions.

Fact (Inform)

Can be proven true. "Dogs have four legs." No one can argue with it.

Opinion (Persuade)

A belief or feeling. "Dogs are the best pets." People can disagree.

How to Find the Purpose

1

Read the whole passage before deciding anything.

2

Ask "Why?" Why did the author write this? What do they want from me?

3

Look for clues: opinions, facts, characters, or fun language.

4

Match to PIE: persuade, inform, or entertain.

5

Check your answer: does it fit the whole passage, not just one line?

Example 1: Read & Decide

Step 1 — Ask why: The author is sharing measurements and food facts.

Step 2 — Look for clues: Lots of facts and numbers, no opinions, no story.

Example 2: Spot the Goal

Step 1 — Ask why: The author wants the school to add books.

Step 2 — Look for clues: Opinion words like "must," "most important," "deserves," and a call to action.

Example 3: A Tricky One

Step 1 — Ask why: The author wants us to enjoy a funny moment.

Step 2 — Look for clues: A character (Pip), action, and a silly, fun event — but no facts or opinions.

Common Mistakes

✕ Deciding too early

Judging from one line. Read the WHOLE passage first.

✕ Mixing up topic and purpose

The topic is WHAT it's about. The purpose is WHY it was written.

✕ Facts always mean inform

A persuasive passage can use facts too — check if it's pushing an opinion.

Quick Summary

	Persuade	Inform	Entertain
Goal	Change your mind	Teach facts	Give enjoyment
Clues	Opinions, "should"	Facts, numbers	Story, characters
Example	Ads, letters	Textbooks, news	Tales, poems

Question 1 of 5

"You should always wear a helmet when you ride your bike. Helmets keep your head safe, and smart riders never skip them. Be a hero — wear your helmet every time!"

▼ Tap to read passage

What is the author's main purpose?

The author uses opinion words like "should" and a call to action ("Be a hero"). This is trying to persuade you to do something.

Question 2 of 5

"Honey is made by bees. The bees collect nectar from flowers and store it in the honeycomb. A single bee may visit thousands of flowers in one day."

▼ Tap to read passage

Why did the author most likely write this passage?

The passage gives facts about how bees make honey, with no opinions or story. The purpose is to inform.

Question 3 of 5

"Wobbles the penguin slipped on the ice and went sliding down the hill on his belly! 'Wheee!' he squealed, flapping his little wings as snow sprayed all around him."

▼ Tap to read passage

What is the author's purpose?

There's a character (Wobbles), action, and playful language. This passage is meant to entertain.

Question 4 of 5

Which sentence is an opinion that shows an author wants to persuade?

"Everyone should" is an opinion that tells readers what to do. The other choices are facts that can be proven. Opinion words signal a persuade purpose.

Question 5 of 5

When you read a passage, what should you ask to find the author's purpose?

To find the author's purpose, always ask "Why did the author write this?" Then match the clues to persuade, inform, or entertain.

Author's PurposeWhy Did They Write It?

What Is Author's Purpose?

The Three Main Purposes

A Slice of PIE

Purpose 1: Persuade

Purpose 2: Inform

Purpose 3: Entertain

The Big Rule

Fact vs. Opinion

How to Find the Purpose

Example 1: Read & Decide

Example 2: Spot the Goal

Example 3: A Tricky One

Common Mistakes

Quick Summary

Question 1 of 5

Question 2 of 5

Question 3 of 5

Question 4 of 5

Question 5 of 5

Author's Purpose
Why Did They Write It?