Before authors write, they think about what to tell readers and why. Their purpose, or reason, for writing helps them decide on the genre, or form of writing, to use. For example, an author can write

• • an article to inform readers about the stars

• • an essay to persuade readers to study astronomy

• • a story or play about the constellations to entertain readers

• • a manual to explain how to operate a telescope.

If you know the author’s purpose, it can help you evaluate the text. For example, if the author’s purpose is to inform, you can decide if you learned something from the text.

To determine the author’s purpose, look at the information and ideas the author includes. Think about whether the selection is fiction or nonfiction. Ask yourself: “Does the author want to tell me a story? Explain, describe, or express something? Persuade me to do something?”

Practice Together

Analyze the Fable Reread the fable “The Astronomer.” A fable is a fictional story with a moral, or lesson. The author tells the story to teach readers a lesson. Decide whether the author was successful.

Try It!

Analyze Another Selection Read the passage below. What is the author’s purpose? Evaluate if the author achieved the purpose.