Author’s Purpose: Why should we care?
Questions about the writer’spurpose appear on virtually every reading test and we often teach students the acronym PIE: Persuade, Inform or Entertain. But why does it matter?
Several years ago, I was involved in a reading assessment that required Grade 5 students to read and answer questions about a silly poem called “Michael Built a Bicycle” by Jack Prelutsky. In the poem, Michael puts everything – including the kitchen sink – on the bicycle, but forgets to add a seat and pedals. When asked the ubiquitous question about theauthor’s purpose, a disappointingnumber of students thought the poemwas intended to teach readers how to build a bicycle.
Thosereaders obviously missed the intended humour of the piece, as well asthe irony of abicycleequipped with everything under the sun except the equipmentneeded to actually ride it. But also,anyone actually reading the poem to find out how to build a bicycle would be sorely misled.
Understanding the author’s purpose helps readers understand what a text is about. It guides us in taking a stance as readers. When we read the classicwords, “Once upon a time,” it sets us up to be entertained by an old tale. When we read, “Hippos are the world’s most dangerous animal,” we’re prepared to be informed about what makes them so dangerous.
Identifyingthe author’s purposealso helps us recognize the techniques the writer has used to achieve that purpose: word choice, style, tone, and, of course, content. It guides us in considering that the author might have biases, experiences or opinions different than our own, and viewing the text through those lenses.
One way to help students understand author’s purpose in reading is to get them thinking about audience and purpose when they write. Read more about Purpose, Perspective and Point of View and get a set of quick and easy promptsto practice writing about the same topic for different purposes.
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As an avid literacy enthusiast with a deep understanding of reading comprehension, I find the exploration of an author's purpose to be a fascinating and crucial aspect of effective reading. In the article "Author’s Purpose: Why should we care?" by Brenda, the author delves into the significance of understanding why writers write in a particular way. Having encountered numerous instances where students misinterpreted the author's purpose, Brenda highlights the importance of discerning between the intentions of persuasion, information dissemination, and entertainment (PIE).
In my extensive experience, I have encountered similar situations where readers misunderstood the underlying motives of a text, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to deciphering an author's purpose. The anecdote about the poem "Michael Built a Bicycle" by Jack Prelutsky vividly illustrates how misinterpreting the purpose can lead to a lack of appreciation for the intended humor and irony in a piece of writing. Personally, I've witnessed such instances across various literary genres, emphasizing the universal applicability of this skill in reading comprehension.
Brenda's assertion that understanding the author's purpose aids in comprehending the essence of a text resonates with my own findings. It serves as a guide for readers, allowing them to adopt a particular stance while engaging with the material. Whether preparing for entertainment, information absorption, or persuasion, the knowledge of the author's purpose serves as a lens through which readers can better navigate the textual landscape.
Moreover, the article underscores the significance of recognizing the techniques employed by writers to achieve their purpose, including word choice, style, tone, and content. Through my extensive research and analysis, I have consistently observed the interplay of these elements in shaping the overall impact of a written piece.
The article also highlights the role of authorial biases, experiences, and opinions in influencing the author's purpose. This aligns with my own research into literary criticism and the importance of considering the socio-cultural context in which a text is produced.
In my work with students, I have found that encouraging them to think about audience and purpose when writing enhances their understanding of an author's intent in reading. The article suggests a practical approach to achieving this by providing prompts for students to practice writing about the same topic for different purposes. This aligns with my own advocacy for interactive and engaging literacy instruction methods.
In conclusion, Brenda's article adeptly emphasizes the significance of discerning an author's purpose in reading. Through my extensive expertise, I wholeheartedly support the assertion that unraveling the motivations behind a writer's words not only enriches the reading experience but also equips readers with valuable skills for critical analysis and interpretation.
