An author writes for many

reasons. An author may give you

facts or true information about a
subject. If so, they are writing to
inform. Some authors write
fiction stories or stories that are
not true. They write these stories
to entertain you. Other authors
may write to persuade or to try to
get you to do something.
What is the author’s purpose
if the passage contains . . .

Facts or true
to Inform
Information?

Fiction? to Entertain

Tries to get you to Persuade or

to do something? Convince
 GENERAL AND SPECIFIC PURPOSES

To Inform To Entertain To Persuade

To analyze To amuse/ delight To argue against

To clarify To frighten To argue for

To discuss To convince

To explain To criticize
 It was a glorious morning in Alabama. The
sun was shining through the trees. Alan
couldn't wait to find his fishing pole and call
his friend Sam to go fishing. They had a great
time on these early morning fishing trips. They
took their dogs with them and the dogs would
swim in the lake while they fished. It was so
funny to watch those dogs paddle around the
lake.

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

 The Slim-O-Matic will cause you to loose
pounds and inches from your body in one
month. This amazing machine helps you to
exercise correctly and provides an easy video
to show you the proper way to exercise. Send
$75.99 and begin exercising today.

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

 The Underground Railroad was a secret
organization which helped slaves escape to
freedom. Many slaves were able to escape
because of the conductors and station
masters. The northern states were free states
and slaves were free once they arrived in the
north. Secret codes and signals were used to
identify the conductors and station masters.

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

 Judy Glen's amazing Wrinkle
Remover cream will make you look
younger in thirty days or less. This
remarkable cream has special
ingredients to make your wrinkles
disappear. The cost for a thirty day
supply is $ 25.99. Send your check to
P.O.Box 00002, Shelton, CA 74836

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

 Rosie had the best time making her
valentine cards for her classmates.
She used red and white paper, heart
stickers, markers and anything else
she could find. It was great. Her
friends are planning a valentine party
on Feb. 14th at school. The one she
made for her best friend is funny.
Funny valentines are nice to get.

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

It's New! It's Refreshing! It's Slurpy Soda!

This is the best soda in the world!

If you drink this soda you will jump higher,
run faster and be smarter in school.
Try one today!

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

1. A politician’s speech about how health

insurance should be provided to all
families
2. A pamphlet urging people not to eat
animals or use products made from
animals
3. An article comparing and contrasting
American and European health care
system
4. Tobacco companies have been in litigation, facing
charges that their marketing practices in the past have
targeted teenagers. Also, evidence indicates that
companies adjusted levels of nicotine in their cigarettes
to increase the probability that smokers would become
addicted to the product to ensure higher sales in the
future.

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

5.  Tobacco companies should be forced to pay lucrative
settlements to anyone who has become addicted or
adversely affected by the use of their products. Anyone who
has a loved one who has succumbed to the temptation to
use cigarettes can attest to the way the product can
swallow souls as well as consumers' wallets. The clinical
evidence of the devastation created by second-hand smoke
is compelling enough for legislators to consider legal action
against the powerful corporations. Unfortunately, tobacco
companies have traditionally provided strong financial
support for many political candidates. Write your
congressional representative and express your outrage! 

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

6. College couples have been the subjects of much
research, and one thing is clear: the major reason for
relationship breakups is boredom. The timing of the
breakup also seems consistent with most findings.
Couples tend to dissolve relationships during vacations
and holidays. Who initiates the breakup is also
interesting. Often it is the woman, who tends to notice
first when the man is less attentive. But if the woman
breaks up first, there is usually no "Can we still be
friends?" situations because the man strongly feels the
rejection. However, if the man initiates the breakup,
there is a better chance the two will still stay in touch. 

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade

7.  If you are interested in sharing your ideas with
like-minded people who can comment on your
writing, you may want to try blogging. Blogging is
short for "Web logging," logging on to a Web site
where you can upload your writing and ask other
"bloggers" to post their comments. 

to Inform to Entertain to Persuade