Author's Purpose 6 Flashcards
6 cards from real PARCC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Author's Purpose 6 flashcards as text
A travel blogger writes a post filled with vivid descriptions of colorful markets, delicious street food, and breathtaking sunsets in Thailand. What is the author's primary purpose?
Answer: To entertain and paint a vivid picture of travel experiences
The use of vivid sensory descriptions and colorful language signals the author's intent to entertain and create an engaging picture, not to argue a position or provide factual instruction.
A pamphlet at the doctor's office lists the dangers of smoking, shares statistics about lung cancer rates, and urges readers to call a quit-smoking hotline. What is the author's purpose?
Answer: To persuade readers to stop smoking
The combination of alarming statistics and a call to action (the hotline) shows the author wants to change the reader's behavior, which is the hallmark of persuasion.
A biography recounts the life of Harriet Tubman, detailing her escape from slavery, her work on the Underground Railroad, and the many people she helped reach freedom. What is the author's primary purpose?
Answer: To inform readers about Harriet Tubman's life and contributions
A biography's primary purpose is to inform readers about the events and significance of a real person's life, even if it is also inspiring or emotionally engaging.
A comedian writes a humorous essay about the chaos of trying to assemble furniture without reading the instructions, comparing himself to a confused penguin. What is the author's purpose?
Answer: To entertain readers through humor and relatable storytelling
The exaggerated comparison and comedic tone reveal that the author's goal is to entertain, not teach a skill or change the reader's opinion.
A community newsletter includes a letter from a local parent urging neighbors to sign a petition against closing the neighborhood library, arguing it is vital for children's education. What is the author's purpose?
Answer: To persuade readers to support keeping the library open
Urging readers to sign a petition is a direct call to action, which reveals the author's persuasive purpose — to convince the community to take a specific step.
A science magazine article uses diagrams and step-by-step descriptions to explain how hurricanes form over warm ocean water. What is the author's primary purpose?
Answer: To inform readers about the science behind hurricane formation
Diagrams and step-by-step explanations are tools of informative writing; the author's goal is to help readers understand a natural process, not to argue a viewpoint or tell a story.