Have you ever wondered why an author writes a particular text? Whether it’s a gripping novel, a persuasive article, or an educational blog post, every piece of writing is shaped by a clear purpose. But which two factors combine to form an author’s purpose for writing a text?
In this article, we’ll explore:
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What author’s purpose really means
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The two key factors that define it
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How to identify purpose in different types of writing
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Practical strategies for students and educators
Whether you’re a student analysing texts, a teacher planning a lesson, or a content creator refining your craft, understanding an author’s purpose will help you read more critically and write more intentionally.
What Does ‘Author’s Purpose’ Mean in Writing?
Understanding an author’s purpose is essential for interpreting any piece of writing. It refers to the reason why the author created the text, whether it’s to inform, persuade, entertain, or express.
Why is understanding the author’s purpose important for readers?
Recognising the author’s purpose helps readers:
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Better comprehend the message
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Evaluate the tone and intent
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Think critically about what they read
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Avoid misinterpretation
How is an author’s purpose typically categorised?
The majority of texts fulfil one or more of the following main functions:
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To inform – presenting facts or explanations
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To persuade – influencing opinions or behaviours
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To entertain – amusing or engaging the reader
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To express – sharing personal thoughts or emotions
What role does audience and context play in shaping authorial intent?
The audience’s expectations, reading level, and interests help shape how an author communicates. Similarly, the context — such as cultural background or historical moment — impacts both what is written and why it’s written.
Which Two Factors Combine to Form an Author’s Purpose for Writing a Text?
An author’s purpose is shaped by two main factors:
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The author’s goal (intention)
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The intended audience
These factors work together to define what the author wants to achieve and who they are trying to reach.
How do an author’s goals influence the purpose of the text?
An author’s intention might include:
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Educating the audience
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Persuading public opinion
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Evoking emotions
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Advocating for change
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Sharing personal experience
The goal dictates the tone, structure, and style of the text.
Why is the intended audience a key factor in determining authorial purpose?
Different audiences require different approaches. A health article for doctors will differ from one written for the general public. The audience impacts:
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Language complexity
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Tone (formal/informal)
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Detail level
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Examples used
How do the message and tone support the author’s purpose?
The message is what the author wants the reader to understand. The tone reflects their attitude toward the subject. Together, they:
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Guide the emotional response of the reader
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Reinforce the intent behind the content
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Ensure clarity and engagement
“Writing is thinking on paper.” — William Zinsser
What Are the Common Types of Author’s Purpose in Writing?
Understanding the types of author’s purpose helps readers identify the message and motivation behind a text.
Is the author trying to inform the audience?
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Textbooks
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News articles
- Instruction manuals
These texts present facts, explanations, or instructions without bias.
Could the author be persuading the reader to take action or believe something?
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Opinion columns
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Political speeches
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Advertisements
These writings use emotive language, logical arguments, and rhetorical devices to convince.
Does the author aim to entertain or emotionally engage the reader?
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Novels
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Poems
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Short stories
Entertainment writing relies on imagination, humour, suspense, or drama to captivate readers.
Can a text have more than one purpose at the same time?
Yes. For example:
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A documentary may inform and persuade
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A memoir may entertain and express
Recognising dual purposes requires critical analysis.
How Can You Identify the Author’s Purpose in a Text?
What textual clues reveal an author’s intention?
Look for:
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Headings and subheadings
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Call-to-action phrases
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Emotional appeals
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Factual data
Why are word choice and tone important in identifying purpose?
Language filled with:
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Statistics and neutral terms = Inform
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Strong adjectives and commands = Persuade
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Playful or dramatic words = Entertain
How does the structure of the text indicate the author’s goals?
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Lists and bullet points = Informational
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Repetitive arguments = Persuasive
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Narrative arcs = Entertaining
What questions should you ask while reading to determine the purpose?
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What is the author trying to tell me?
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Why was this text written?
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How does this language affect my response?
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Who is this intended for?
How Do Genre and Medium Affect the Author’s Purpose?
How does the genre influence the way an author conveys their purpose?
Each genre has conventions:
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Journalism: to inform quickly and objectively
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Satire: to entertain while critiquing
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Academic writing: to inform and argue
In what ways does the medium (print, digital, video) shape the author’s strategy?
Medium determines how messages are:
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Delivered (visually, textually, orally)
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Received (active reading vs. passive watching)
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Amplified (social sharing, hyperlinks, interactivity)
How Can Educators Help Students Understand Author’s Purpose Better?
What classroom strategies improve comprehension of author’s intent?
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Text annotation
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Purpose prediction exercises
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Comparative reading activities
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Group discussions
Why is it crucial to teach the two key factors behind author’s purpose early on?
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Builds reading comprehension
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Improves writing skills
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Encourages critical thinking
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” — Frederick Douglass
How Do Historical and Cultural Contexts Affect Author’s Purpose?
Why does the time period matter in determining authorial intent?
Authors react to social, political, or economic events in their time. For example:
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George Orwell’s “1984” reflected post-war anxieties about government control.
How does culture shape what an author chooses to write about?
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Cultural values affect what’s acceptable or controversial
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Local customs influence tone and structure
How Do Genre and Medium Affect the Author’s Purpose?
How does the genre influence the way an author conveys their purpose?
Genre-specific examples:
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News reporting: Inform objectively
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Satire: Entertain while criticising
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Biographies: Inform and express
In what ways does the medium (print, digital, video) shape the author’s strategy?
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Visuals in digital media enhance persuasion
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Print formats rely more on text clarity and structure
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Video allows tone, imagery, and voice to combine for impact
What Are Some Practical Strategies to Practise Identifying Author’s Purpose?
How can students and readers develop better analysis skills?
✅ Try the A.I.M. Method:
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Audience – Who is the text for?
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Intention – What does the author want to achieve?
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Message – What’s the key idea?
✅ Activities to boost skills:
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Annotate a paragraph by purpose
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Spot persuasive words in ads
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Write summaries of purpose in different genres
What Are Examples of How the Two Factors Work Together?
| Text Type | Author’s Goal | Target Audience | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health leaflet | Raise awareness | General public | Inform |
| Opinion editorial | Advocate policy change | Voters and politicians | Persuade |
| Children’s short story | Spark imagination | Children aged 6–9 | Entertain |
Example 1: Persuasive essay aimed at parents
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Goal: Convince parents to reduce screen time
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Audience: Concerned parents
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Purpose: Persuade
Example 2: Informative article aimed at teenagers
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Goal: Explain climate change impacts
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Audience: Teens aged 13–17
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Purpose: Inform
Example 3: Entertaining story for children
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Goal: Create enjoyment through fantasy
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Audience: Children
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Purpose: Entertain
Conclusion
Knowing which two factors combine to form an author’s purpose—the author’s goal and the intended audience—is key to understanding, interpreting, and responding to any text effectively. These elements shape:
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The tone of the text
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The choice of words and structure
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The impact it has on readers
Whether you’re a student, educator, or curious reader, recognising the intent and audience gives you the tools to read more critically and write more purposefully.
FAQs
What are the two factors that define an author’s purpose?
The two key factors are:
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The author’s goal or intention
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The intended audience
What are the two main purposes for a writer in writing a story?
To convey thoughts, feelings, or experiences while amusing the reader.
What are the author’s two main purposes in the text?
To engage the target audience and deliver a message.
Which two factors combine to form an author’s purpose for writing a text (Brainly-style)?
The author’s intent and the target audience.
What is the author’s purpose for writing this text?
To educate and clarify how an author’s work is influenced by their audience and purpose.
