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Hi there! I am Studyfin, your learning buddy. Today we will explore why authors write and find the hidden messages in their stories!
Every time an author writes, they have a special goal in mind. We call this the author's purpose. It is the main reason they wrote the text.
Authors write to persuade, inform, or entertain. We can remember this with the word PIE! Each letter stands for one main purpose.
Along with a purpose, authors also have a message. The message is the big lesson or idea they want you to take away after reading.
Read this short passage and find the author's purpose and message: "Sam saw a new kid sitting alone at lunch. He felt nervous, but he walked over and shared his apple. Soon, they were laughing together. It is always good to welcome new friends."
- Look for clues about the author's purpose. The passage tells a story about Sam, but it also ends with a clear opinion.
- Think about the PIE categories. Is it trying to teach facts (inform)? No. Is it just for fun (entertain)? Partly, but it has a clear lesson.
- Analyze the last sentence: 'It is always good to welcome new friends.' The author is trying to convince us to do something good.
- Explain the purpose: The author's purpose is to persuade readers to be kind to new students.
- Explain the message: The message is that small acts of kindness can help build great new friendships.