When a Text Does Two Things

Find the main purpose when writing both teaches and entertains.

Some writing does two things at once. A story might be fun and also teach facts. Read: 'Ollie the Owl flew through the night. "Owls can turn our heads very far around," he told his friend. "That helps us look for food."

' Ollie is a talking owl, which is fun. But the facts about owls are real. So what is the main purpose? Think about what the author cares about most. If the facts are the point and the character just helps explain them, the main purpose is to inform.

Pick the purpose that fits best.

• 1Some texts have more than one purpose.
• 2Decide what the author cares about most.
• 3Choose the main purpose that fits best.