Identify the author's purpose for writing a passage. - SSAT Middle Level Reading

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Why Does Author's Purpose Matter?

Every time someone writes something — a story, an article, a poem, or even a text message — they have a reason for writing it. That reason is called the author's purpose. People have been thinking about why writers write for thousands of years. Understanding purpose helps you become a smarter, more active reader.

On the SSAT, you will read passages and answer questions about why the author wrote them. Knowing the author's purpose helps you figure out the main idea, the tone, and even what kind of answer choices to look for. Let's look at how thinkers throughout history have explored the idea of purpose in writing.

~350 BC • Aristotle's Rhetoric

The Greek philosopher Aristotle taught that speakers and writers have three main goals: to inform, to persuade, or to entertain. These three categories are still used today.

1440 • The Printing Press

Johannes Gutenberg's printing press made books available to many more people. Authors now wrote for wider audiences, and their purposes became more varied — from religious teaching to scientific explanation to storytelling.

1800s • Rise of Newspapers & Magazines

Newspapers brought a clear split between news articles (meant to inform) and opinion columns (meant to persuade). Readers had to learn to tell the difference.

Today • The Digital Age

With blogs, social media, and online articles, identifying an author's purpose is more important than ever. Understanding purpose helps you spot bias, enjoy stories more deeply, and learn from informational texts.

So, the big question is: How do you figure out why an author wrote something, especially when they don't tell you directly? That's exactly what this lesson will teach you.

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Core Principles of Author's Purpose

Most authors write for one (or sometimes more) of these main reasons. You can remember them with the acronym P.I.E. — Persuade, Inform, Entertain. There are also a couple of other purposes you should know. Let's break them all down.

Persuade

The author wants to convince you to believe something or take action. Look for strong opinions, reasons, and emotional language.

Inform

The author wants to teach you facts or explain how something works. Look for data, definitions, and a neutral (not emotional) tone.

Entertain

The author wants to amuse you or tell an engaging story. Look for vivid descriptions, characters, dialogue, humor, and suspense.

Describe

The author wants to paint a picture of a person, place, or thing using detailed sensory language — what you can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch.

Express Feelings

The author wants to share personal emotions or reflections. This is common in poetry and personal essays. Look for first-person voice and emotional language.

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Think of author's purpose like ordering food at a restaurant. A recipe card is there to inform you how to cook. A restaurant ad is trying to persuade you to eat there. And a funny story about a cooking disaster is meant to entertain you. The topic (food) is the same, but the reason for writing is totally different!

SECTION 3

The P.I.E. Decision Flowchart

When you read a passage on the SSAT, you can ask yourself a series of questions to figure out the author's purpose. The flowchart below walks you through this step by step. Start at the top and follow the arrows based on what you notice in the passage.

Start at the top by reading the passage carefully. Then follow each question to narrow down the author's main purpose. Notice that persuade branches off first because opinion-based writing is usually the easiest to spot.

As you practice, this decision process will become automatic. You won't need the flowchart anymore — you'll just feel it when you read. But for now, these questions are a great tool to keep in your back pocket during the SSAT.

SECTION 4

How to Spot Clues in a Passage

Authors don't usually announce "My purpose is to persuade you!" Instead, they leave clues in the text. Learning to spot these clues is the real skill. Let's look at the main types of textual evidence (details in the passage that support your answer) for each purpose.

Clues That Signal "Persuade"

✓ Opinion words: should, must, need to, best, worst, unfair
✓ Emotional language: heartbreaking, outrageous, incredible
✓ Call to action: "Join us," "Write to your representative," "Don't let this happen"
✓ Arguments with reasons: The author gives evidence to support a specific position

Clues That Signal "Inform"

✓ Facts and data: dates, statistics, measurements, definitions
✓ Neutral tone: The author doesn't take sides; the writing sounds balanced
✓ Explanations: Step-by-step processes, cause and effect, comparisons
✓ Text features: headings, charts, diagrams (though you won't see these on the SSAT)

Clues That Signal "Entertain"

✓ Story elements: characters, setting, plot, conflict, dialogue
✓ Vivid descriptions: figurative language like similes, metaphors, and imagery
✓ Humor: jokes, exaggeration, funny situations
✓ Suspense: cliffhangers, mystery, building tension

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SSAT Tip

On the SSAT, passages can have more than one purpose. A science article might both inform you about volcanoes and entertain you with an exciting eruption story. When this happens, pick the primary (main) purpose — the one that best describes the passage as a whole.

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Signal Words and Tone Mapping

One of the fastest ways to identify author's purpose is to pay attention to the tone (the author's attitude or feeling toward the topic). Different purposes tend to have different tones. The diagram below maps common tones to purposes.

Each box lists common tone words associated with that purpose. When you can describe the tone of a passage, you're halfway to identifying the purpose. For example, if a passage feels "urgent" and "concerned," the author is likely trying to persuade you.

Here is a handy table of signal words — words and phrases that often appear in passages and point you toward a specific purpose.

Purpose	Common Signal Words & Phrases	Typical Passage Type
Persuade	should, must, I believe, in my opinion, clearly, it is important that, we need to	Editorials, speeches, advertisements, letters to the editor
Inform	according to, research shows, studies indicate, is defined as, for example, as a result	Textbooks, encyclopedias, news articles, science reports
Entertain	once upon a time, suddenly, he whispered, she laughed, the wind howled, as if	Short stories, novels, fairy tales, humorous essays
Describe	the golden light, crisp autumn air, a towering mountain, shimmering waters, the scent of	Poetry, travel writing, descriptive essays
Express	I felt, it reminded me of, I remember when, in my heart, looking back	Personal essays, memoirs, poetry, journal entries

Signal Words by Author's Purpose

SECTION 6

Worked Example: Finding the Author's Purpose

Let's walk through a sample SSAT-style passage together. Read the passage below, then follow the steps to identify the author's purpose.

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Sample Passage

Every year, millions of plastic bags end up in our oceans, harming sea turtles, dolphins, and countless fish. These bags take over 500 years to break down. Some cities have already banned plastic bags, and the results have been remarkable — cleaner beaches, healthier wildlife, and less pollution. It's time for every community to take this simple but powerful step. If we act now, we can protect our oceans for future generations.

Step-by-Step: Identifying the Author's Purpose

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Step 1 — Read and React

Read the passage once all the way through. Ask yourself: "How does this passage make me feel? What is the author trying to get me to do or think?" This passage makes you feel concerned about the ocean. The author seems to want you to agree that plastic bags should be banned.
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Step 2 — Look for Opinion vs. Fact

Circle or underline sentences that sound like opinions. The sentence "It's time for every community to take this simple but powerful step" is clearly an opinion — not everyone may agree. The phrase "If we act now" is a call to action.

Opinions and calls to action found → likely Persuade
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Step 3 — Check Signal Words

Look for signal words from our table. We see "it's time" (urgency), "if we act now" (call to action), and "every community" (suggesting what people should do). These all point to persuasion.

Signal words confirmed → Persuade
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Step 4 — Identify the Tone

What's the author's attitude? The tone is urgent and passionate. The author clearly cares about this issue and wants the reader to care too. Looking at our Tone → Purpose Map, urgent and passionate both land in the Persuade box.
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Step 5 — State Your Answer

Put it all together. The passage includes facts about plastic bags, but the main purpose is not to inform — it's to convince the reader that communities should ban plastic bags. Yes, there are facts, but they are used as evidence to support an argument.

Final Answer: The author's primary purpose is to PERSUADE readers that communities should ban plastic bags.

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WATCH OUT FOR TRICKY PASSAGES

Did you notice the passage had facts like "500 years to break down" and "millions of plastic bags"? Some students might think the purpose is to inform because of those facts. But facts in a persuasive passage are like ingredients in a recipe — they're used to build the argument, not just to teach you something. Always ask: "What is the OVERALL goal of the passage?"

SECTION 7

Comparing Purposes Side by Side

One of the trickiest things about author's purpose questions is that the same topic can be written about in very different ways. Let's compare how three authors might write about the same subject — dogs — but with different purposes.

Feature	Passage A: Inform	Passage B: Persuade	Passage C: Entertain
Opening Line	"Dogs were first domesticated over 15,000 years ago."	"Every family should adopt a dog from a shelter."	"Max tipped over the trash can again and grinned."
Tone	Neutral, factual	Passionate, urgent	Humorous, playful
Key Clue	Dates, facts, no opinion	"Should," reasons, call to action	Characters, humor, a storyline
Reader's Reaction	"I learned something new."	"I should consider adopting!"	"That's funny! I want to keep reading."
Purpose	Inform	Persuade	Entertain

Same Topic, Different Purposes

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Think of it like a video about basketball. A documentary teaches you the history of the sport (inform). A commercial tries to sell you new sneakers (persuade). A movie like Space Jam tells a fun story (entertain). Same sport — completely different purposes!

SECTION 8

Going Deeper: Purpose on the SSAT

On the SSAT, author's purpose questions don't always use the exact words "persuade," "inform," or "entertain." The answer choices might use fancier language. It helps to know how these purposes can be described in different ways.

Basic Purpose	SSAT Answer Choice Might Say...
Persuade	convince the reader, argue a point, encourage action, promote an idea, advocate for a change
Inform	explain a process, present information, describe a historical event, educate the reader, analyze a topic
Entertain	tell a story, amuse the reader, create suspense, share an amusing anecdote, engage the reader's imagination
Describe	paint a picture, create a mood, portray a scene, capture an experience
Express	share personal feelings, reflect on a memory, convey emotions, explore inner thoughts

How Purpose Appears in SSAT Answer Choices

Also, remember that the SSAT Reading section includes three types of passages: fiction (stories), nonfiction (factual writing), and poetry. Fiction passages almost always have a purpose of entertaining or expressing feelings. Nonfiction passages are more likely to inform or persuade. Poetry can do any of these — so read it extra carefully!

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Looking Ahead

As you advance in your reading skills, you'll start recognizing even more specific purposes — like how a satirical article uses humor to persuade, or how a memoir both entertains and expresses feelings at the same time. For now, focus on identifying the primary purpose and choosing the best answer from the five options.

SECTION 9

Practice Problems

Try these five practice problems. For each one, read the short passage or description, then choose the best answer. After you pick your answer, read the explanation to check your thinking.

Question 1: CONCEPTUAL

A passage reads: "The heart is a muscular organ about the size of your fist. It pumps blood through your body approximately 100,000 times per day. The heart has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles." What is the author's primary purpose? (A) To persuade readers to exercise more (B) To entertain readers with a funny story (C) To inform readers about how the heart works (D) To express the author's personal feelings about science (E) To describe a beautiful natural scene

Show answer

The correct answer is (C). This passage gives factual information — the size of the heart, how many times it beats per day, and its four chambers. The tone is neutral and educational, with no opinions or story elements. (A) is wrong because the passage never mentions exercise or tells you what to do. (B) is wrong because there is no humor, characters, or story. (D) is wrong because the author doesn't share any personal feelings. (E) is wrong because the passage teaches facts, not paints a scenic picture.

Question 2: BASIC CALCULATION

A passage reads: "Our school cafeteria wastes over 200 pounds of food every single week. That's enough to feed 50 families. We should start a composting program immediately. If other schools can do it, so can we. Let's stop wasting food and start making a difference!" What is the author's primary purpose? (A) To inform readers about composting techniques (B) To entertain readers with a school adventure (C) To describe the school cafeteria in detail (D) To persuade readers to support a composting program (E) To express sadness about the environment

Show answer

The correct answer is (D). The author uses signal words like "should," "immediately," and "let's" — all calls to action. The passage takes a clear position (we need a composting program) and gives reasons to support it. (A) is tempting because composting is mentioned, but the passage doesn't explain how composting works — it argues that the school should start one. (B) is wrong because there is no storyline or adventure. (C) is wrong because the cafeteria is barely described. (E) is wrong because while the author is concerned, the main goal is to convince the reader to act, not just express feelings.

Question 3: INTERMEDIATE

A passage reads: "The old lighthouse stood alone on the cliff, its white paint peeling like birch bark. Below, the waves crashed and roared against the rocks, sending spray high into the salty air. A single gull circled overhead, calling out to no one in particular. Inside, the spiral staircase wound upward into darkness, and the scent of rust and sea hung in every corner." What is the author's primary purpose? (A) To inform readers about lighthouse construction (B) To persuade readers to visit lighthouses (C) To describe a scene and create a mood (D) To entertain readers with a ghost story (E) To explain why lighthouses are important

Show answer

The correct answer is (C). The passage is rich with sensory details — you can almost see the peeling paint, hear the crashing waves, and smell the rust and sea. The author uses simile ("peeling like birch bark") and imagery to paint a vivid picture. There is no plot, no argument, and no facts or data. (A) is wrong because the passage doesn't explain how lighthouses are built. (B) is wrong because the author never encourages the reader to do anything. (D) is wrong because although the mood is atmospheric, there is no ghost and no storyline. (E) is wrong because the passage doesn't explain the function or importance of lighthouses.

Question 4: APPLIED

A passage reads: "The Amazon rainforest covers about 2.1 million square miles and is home to approximately 10 percent of all species on Earth. Scientists estimate that a single hectare (about 2.5 acres) may contain over 400 different tree species. Despite its importance, the Amazon loses an area roughly the size of a football field every minute due to deforestation. Conservation groups argue that stronger international laws are urgently needed to protect this vital ecosystem." This passage has elements of more than one purpose. Which choice best describes the author's primary purpose? (A) To entertain readers with an exciting jungle adventure (B) To inform readers about the Amazon rainforest and hint at the need for conservation (C) To persuade readers to donate money to conservation groups (D) To describe the beauty of the rainforest using sensory language (E) To express the author's personal grief about losing the rainforest

Show answer

The correct answer is (B). This is a tricky passage because it has both informational content (statistics, facts) and a slight persuasive lean in the last sentence. However, the majority of the passage presents facts in a neutral tone. The final sentence mentions conservation groups' argument but does not directly tell the reader to take action. The primary purpose is to inform, with a secondary hint at persuasion. (A) is wrong because there is no adventure or story. (C) is wrong because no donation or specific action is requested. (D) is wrong because the language is factual, not sensory. (E) is wrong because the author doesn't express personal emotions.

Question 5: CRITICAL THINKING

A student reads two passages. Passage 1 says: "Video games can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Studies from several universities have shown that moderate gaming can have positive effects on brain development." Passage 2 says: "Kids today spend way too much time staring at screens. Parents need to set strict limits on gaming. Our children's health and futures depend on it." Which statement best compares the purposes of the two passages? (A) Both passages aim to inform the reader about video games. (B) Passage 1 aims to entertain, and Passage 2 aims to describe. (C) Passage 1 aims to inform, and Passage 2 aims to persuade. (D) Both passages aim to persuade parents to change their behavior. (E) Passage 1 aims to persuade, and Passage 2 aims to inform.

Show answer

The correct answer is (C). Passage 1 presents research findings and facts in a neutral tone ("studies have shown"), which signals an informational purpose. Passage 2 uses strong opinion language ("way too much," "need to," "depend on it") and directly tells parents what to do — that's persuasion. (A) is wrong because Passage 2 is clearly opinion-based, not purely informational. (B) is wrong because neither passage tells a story or paints a sensory picture. (D) is wrong because Passage 1 doesn't tell anyone to do anything — it just reports what studies found. (E) reverses the correct answer; Passage 1's neutral facts make it informational, while Passage 2's strong opinions make it persuasive.

SUMMARY

Putting It All Together

Summary

Every passage you read on the SSAT was written for a reason. The author's purpose is that reason, and the main categories are persuade (convince you of something), inform (teach you facts), entertain (tell an engaging story), describe (paint a vivid picture), and express (share personal feelings). Remember the acronym P.I.E. for the big three.

To identify purpose, use three strategies: check for opinions vs. facts, scan for signal words (like "should," "according to," or "once upon a time"), and identify the tone of the passage (urgent? neutral? playful?). When a passage mixes purposes, always pick the primary purpose — the one that best describes the passage as a whole. You've got this!