Reading/Language Arts
Grade 3
Author’s Purpose
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
Your child is currently learning to identify the author’s purpose in
writing a nonfictional passage. Here is your chance to help your
child practice this important skill.
In this PAL Packet you will find a short activity for you and your
child to do. Please do the activity and The Back Page this evening.
Then sign your name on The Back Page and have your child return it
tomorrow.
Remember, parents are a child’s first teacher. Thank you for your
time and energy in making learning fun and exciting for your child.
Sincerely,
_________________________
Your child’s teacher
Grade 3 – Author’s Purpose
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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AUTHOR’S PURPOSE
Parent Pointer —
There are many reasons why an author writes a passage. Three of the
most important ones at this level are: to persuade, to inform, or to
entertain. These reasons are called the author’s purpose. When the
reader has read some of the passage, he or she will be able to identify
why the author wrote it. Then the reader will adjust his or her rate of
reading depending on the purpose. For example, if the author’s purpose
for writing a passage is to inform, the reader will read it more slowly
so that the important information is not missed. If the author’s
purpose is to persuade, the reader will focus on the information that
expresses an opinion. If the author’s purpose is to entertain, the
reader will read it at a regular rate. Therefore, the reader is better
able to understand the information in the passage.
Reading in the Home, on the Go, and for the Fun of It —
DIRECTIONS: Read the What Is the Author’s Purpose? page to your
parent or guardian. Talk about the three reasons an author writes with
your parent or guardian. Explain why you adjust your rate of reading
depending on which author’s purpose it is. Then complete the Identify
Author’s Purpose page. Read and discuss the authors’ purposes with
your parent or guardian.
Talk about It —
After you have finished the activity, turn to The Back Page to show
what you know.
Now go have some fun with the activity! (
Grade 3 – Author’s Purpose
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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What Is the Author’s Purpose?
There are three reasons why an author writes a story or
a passage. The purposes are to persuade, to inform, and to
entertain. (Hint: Use the letters “P.I.E.” to help you
remember the three author purposes.)
P is for persuade. The author writes to
convince the reader of something.
I
is for inform. The author has
information to tell.
E
is for entertain. The author wants the
reader to enjoy the writing.
Grade 3 – Author’s Purpose
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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Identify Author’s Purpose
Directions: Read the following examples and the questions. Write your
answers in complete sentences. Use the What Is the Author’s Purpose?
page to help you.
The Three R’s
We can help manage how much waste or trash we make by
following the three R’s—reduce, reuse, and recycle. Following these
rules will help us to make less trash.
Reduce means to use less. We need to use fewer things that
make trash.
Reuse means to take things you would usually throw away and
find ways to use them again. Many people reuse cardboard boxes,
plastic bags, grocery bags, newspapers, and glass jars.
Recycle means to treat the trash so that we can use it again.
Some of the things people recycle are aluminum, glass, paper, and
plastic. These things can be used again to make a different product.
Why did the author write this passage?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Grade 3 – Author’s Purpose
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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Identify Author’s Purpose
(continued)
Tops Toothpaste
Do you want whiter teeth? Do you want cleaner teeth? Do you
want fresher breath?
Then you need to buy a tube of Tops Toothpaste. Tops
Toothpaste will make your teeth whiter. Tops Toothpaste will make
your teeth feel cleaner. Tops Toothpaste will make your breath smell
fresher.
Why did the author write this ad?
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Paul Bunyan
Paul Bunyan was so big that he could not fit inside most
people’s houses. He would have to talk with people outside. One day
he went to visit some friends outside their house. Then it began to
rain. Paul Bunyan pulled the roof off their house. He held the roof
over everyone like a huge umbrella.
Why did the author write this story?
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Grade 3 – Author’s Purpose
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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The Back Page
Talk About It
Parent —
Ask your child the following question:
9Why is it important to know the author’s purpose for
writing?
Student —
Answer the above question in complete sentences on the
reverse side of this page.
OR
Do one of the following activities on the reverse side of
this page:
9Make a P.I.E. chart that lists the three purposes for
writing. Include examples or clues from different
stories and passages that help you determine the
authors’ purposes. Explain your chart to your parent
or guardian.
9Choose one of the author’s purposes, and write a
short passage using that purpose. Read your passage
to your parent or guardian. Have him or her guess
your purpose for writing it.
__________________________ __________________________
Student’s Name
Parent or Guardian’s Signature
Grade 3 – Author’s Purpose
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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