Every Author Has a Reason

Every piece of writing was made by an author, and every author has a reason for writing. That reason is called the author's purpose.

Think about the things you read in a day: a story at bedtime, a sign that says 'Wet Paint,' a note from a friend asking you to play. The story was written for fun. The sign was written to warn you. The note was written to ask you something.

When you read, ask yourself, 'Why did the author write this? ' Knowing the reason helps you understand how to read it.

• 1An author is the person who writes.
• 2The author's purpose is the reason for writing.
• 3Ask: Why did the author write this?