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A

Author's Purpose

This is the reason why the author wrote a text.  Authors can have more than one purpose (and usually do!).  Sometimes, a text can have more than one purpose at the same time.

For the 4 major types, think "PIEE"

Persuade - written to convince the reader to do something or think a certain way.

Inform - written to describe something, give information on a topic or event.  Not especially exciting or amusing.

Entertain - written to amuse the reader, to have fun

Express - written to show strong emotions or feelings.

Author's Viewpoint

This is how the author FEELS about the topic of the story.  Look for how the author describes settings, characters, or ideas.  This should help you figure out his or her opinion of the topic.

Autobiography

This is a BIOGRAPHY written by the topic person.  The author wrote about his or her own life, in 1st person.