🎯 AUTHOR’S PURPOSE
What are the 3 purposes?
✅ Inform, persuade, entertain
I am very sticky. I go round and round. What am I?
gluestick
School lunches should include more fresh fruits and vegetables to keep students healthy.
✅ Positive — “should include more… to keep students healthy”
The classroom buzzed as students compared answers from the quiz. Lila kept her paper folded neatly on her desk, tracing the edge of it with her finger. When her friend asked how she did, she gave a quick “fine” without looking up and changed the subject to the upcoming weekend. What can you infer about Lila’s actual performance AND why is she responding this way? Use TWO pieces of evidence.
She likely did poorly or is unsure and is avoiding the topic — avoids eye contact + changes subject
The door opened automatically as I entered. I took a cart and head to the dairy section. Where am I?
grocery store
An article explains how sharks hunt. What is the purpose?
✅ Inform
I am not a magician, but I make things disappear. What am I?
Eraser
Too much homework can make students feel stressed and overwhelmed after a long school day.
✅ Bad/Negative — “stressed and overwhelmed”
Before entering the gym, Marcus paused, rereading the list taped to the door. He adjusted his shirt, took a deep breath, and stepped inside, scanning the room before walking slowly to the back. When someone waved him over, he hesitated before forcing a small smile and joining them. What can you infer about Marcus’s feelings AND what is causing them? Use TWO pieces of evidence.
He feels nervous or out of place — hesitates + scans room + forced smile
The front desk informed me that I am next. I took my purse and went inside the room. I told the man wearing a white coat that I've been coughing for 3 days now. Where am I?
b) doctor's office
“Adopt a pet today and save a life!” What is the purpose?
✅ Persuade
I come in pairs and am known to stink to high heavens at times. I can hang loose as a goose. I will help you chase your dreams. What am I?
A pair of shoes.
Reading every day can help students improve their vocabulary and become stronger learners.
✅ Positive because it helps improve skills.
The hallway was empty except for a single locker left open. Books were stacked unevenly inside, and a water bottle had rolled onto the floor. A jacket hung halfway out of the locker door, as if it had been pulled quickly. From down the hall, voices could be heard calling a name, growing louder. What can you infer most likely just happened AND what is the strongest piece of evidence supporting your inference? Explain your reasoning.
Something urgent or unexpected caused someone to leave quickly (possibly being called or needing to go somewhere fast).
My mom and I waited in line with the rest of the passengers. My mom handed the lady our tickets. Where am I?
d) airport. key words: waiting in line, tickets, flight
A story that makes you laugh. What is the purpose?
✅ Entertain
I am big and gray. I use mud to cool me down. What am I?
Elephant
Some students prefer online learning, while others learn better in a classroom setting.
✅ Neutral — shows both sides
When the announcement was made, the room filled with scattered applause. Some students leaned forward, whispering excitedly, while others sat back in silence. Jordan clapped briefly before resting his hands on his desk. When a classmate turned to him and said, “That’s awesome, right?” he responded, “Yeah, it’s good,” though his voice was flat. For the remainder of class, he worked quietly, pausing often and rereading the same line multiple times. What can you infer about Jordan’s internal reaction AND how does the author use contrast to reveal it? Use TWO pieces of evidence and explain your reasoning.
Jordan is likely disappointed or conflicted, despite outwardly appearing neutral.
Splat! Splat! Splat! Everybody outside was using an umbrella. Though I don't like rain, I sill love the flowers it brings. When is this?
a) spring
How do you determine the Author's purpose?
✅ Look at our clues (facts, opinions, tone)
When do you go on red and stop on green?
When you're eating a watermellon!
Although recess takes time away from class, it helps students focus better and improves behavior.
✅ Positive — says it helps focus and behavior!
After the results were posted, students gathered around, reacting in different ways. Some celebrated openly, while others stepped away quickly. Maya approached the list, scanning it once before stepping aside. She congratulated a classmate with a polite smile, then moved toward the door. When asked how she did, she shrugged and said, “It’s not a big deal.” Later, she returned alone, carefully rereading the list, her expression more focused than before. What can you infer about Maya’s expectations, emotional response, AND her deeper belief about success or failure? Use TWO pieces of evidence and explain how her actions reveal more than her words.
Maya likely expected to do well but is disappointed and trying to downplay it; she may tie success closely to her self-worth or care deeply about performance.
Crunch! Crunch! Crunch! As I walk the street I was so amazed with what I am seeing... When is this?
Fall