Author’s Purpose PowerPoint: Teaching Persuade, Inform, and Entertain

From novels and plays to advertisements and news articles, there are countless texts we engage with daily. But behind every piece of writing, there’s a core reason the author created it. Understanding Author’s Purpose—whether the intention is to persuade, inform, or entertain—is essential for deeper comprehension and critical thinking skills.

This Author’s Purpose PowerPoint provides a clear, engaging, and structured approach to teaching students about the three primary reasons authors write:

• Persuade: Convincing the audience to adopt a specific point of view or take action.
• Inform: Providing factual information or explaining a topic to increase knowledge.
• Entertain: Engaging the reader through storytelling, humor, or creative narratives.

Understanding Author’s Purpose Through Context Clues

Students will learn how to identify the author’s purpose by analyzing the text’s context, tone, and word choice. The PowerPoint guides them through examples of each type of writing and teaches them to recognize subtle clues that reveal the author’s intent. Whether it’s an opinion piece, a textbook, or a fictional story, understanding author’s purpose helps students become more discerning readers and critical thinkers.

Knowing author’s purpose allows students to better understand the text’s message and the audience it’s intended for. It helps them answer questions like:

• What is the author trying to achieve with this piece?

• How does the author shape the content to reach their intended audience?

• What specific techniques does the author use to persuade, inform, or entertain?

This understanding enhances reading comprehension, enabling students to engage with texts on a deeper level. It also strengthens their ability to write with a clear purpose in their own work.

Download this Author’s Purpose PowerPoint Today!

This Author’s Purpose PowerPoint is available in Google Slides format, making it easy to integrate into your classroom technology. Use the download button to access your copy and start teaching author’s purpose today!

Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter Collaborator, contributed to this resource.

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