Purpose Lesson Plan Why'd They Write That?!
Unlocking Author's Purpose with PIE
Duration 60 Mins
Objective
Students will be able to identify an author's purpose (to inform, persuade, entertain) in various texts and write a short constructed response to explain their reasoning.
The "Why"
Understanding why an author writes something helps us better understand the text, think critically about what we read, and become stronger communicators ourselves.
Preparation
Review the Author's Purpose Slide Deck and teacher notes.
Print copies of the Reading Passages and Worksheet for each student.
Review the Answer Key for grading and discussion.
Target Audience
High School SpEd Resource
Instructional Plan
Introduction: What's the Point?
5 MINS
Ask students what it means to have a "purpose" for doing something. Use dinner examples.
Introduce the concept: authors have reasons for writing just like we have reasons for our actions.
Use the first few slides of the Slide Deck to set the stage.
Direct Instruction: PIE (Persuade, Inform, Entertain)
15 MINS
Present the three main author's purposes: Persuade, Inform, Entertain using the slide deck.
Provide clear definitions and real-world examples (commercials vs. news vs. movies).
Engage students with questions about identifying purpose in their daily media consumption.
Guided Practice: Reading for Purpose
15 MINS
Distribute the Reading Passages . Read Passage 1 together.
Think-Aloud: Model how to spot clues (character, setting) to identify the purpose as "Entertain".Guide students through Passage 2, discussing their reasoning.
Introduce Short Constructed Response (SCR) components: Topic Sentence, Evidence, Explanation.
Independent Practice: Show What You Know!
20 MINS
Distribute the Worksheet . Students work independently or in pairs.
Read passages and identify the purpose.
Write an SCR for each passage using evidence.
Circulate to provide 1:1 support for SpEd students (sentence starters, verbal prompting).
Wrap-up and Share
5 MINS
Students share one SCR with a partner or the class.
Review answers using the Answer Key and address misconceptions.
Purpose Slides Why'd They Write That?!
Mastering Author's Purpose
High School Reading Comprehension
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome students and introduce the lesson by asking about their personal experiences with having a 'purpose.' Connect this to authors having a purpose for writing.
What is Author's Purpose?
It's the reason an author decides to write a particular text.
Think: "Why did the author write this?"
"What do they want me to do or feel?"
TEACHER NOTES: Explain that authors always have a reason, or purpose, for writing. This isn't just random words on a page!
The PIE of Purpose
P Persuade
I Inform
E Entertain
TEACHER NOTES: Introduce the PIE acronym. Explain that these are the three main purposes we will focus on today.
Purpose #1: To Persuade
The author wants you to agree with them or do something.
Detective Clues
Opinions, strong feelings, "Vote Now!", "You should...", Best , Worst , Must .
Real-World Examples
Commercials
Opinion Essays
Political Speeches
TEACHER NOTES: Define 'Persuade' and give concrete examples. Ask students for examples they've seen.
Purpose #2: To Inform
The author wants to teach you something or give you facts.
Detective Clues
Facts, statistics, definitions, step-by-step instructions, objective language.
Real-World Examples
Textbooks
News Articles
Manuals
TEACHER NOTES: Define 'Inform' and provide examples. Ask students where they get information.
Purpose #3: To Entertain
The author wants to tell a story or make you feel emotions.
Detective Clues
Story elements (characters, plot), vivid descriptions, dialogue, humor.
Real-World Examples
Novels / Short Stories
Poems
Comics / Plays
TEACHER NOTES: Define 'Entertain' and give examples. Ask students about their favorite books or movies.
Let's Practice!
We are going to read some short passages. Remember to use your PIE detective skills to find the clues!
TEACHER NOTES: Transition to guided practice. Explain that they will read some short texts and try to figure out the author's purpose. Remind them to look for clues.
Purpose Reading Passages Investigation Files
Topic: Determining Author's Purpose (PIE)
Subject Reading
CASE #729
MISSION: Read each passage carefully. Look for clues that tell you why the author wrote it. What do they want you to know, feel, or do?
File 01: Narrative
The Brave Little Squirrel
Once upon a time, in a grand old oak tree, lived a tiny squirrel named Squeaky. Squeaky was known for his love of adventure and his insatiable appetite for acorns. One crisp autumn morning, Squeaky decided he would embark on a quest to find the legendary Golden Acorn, rumored to grant endless winter snacks. He packed a tiny knapsack with a walnut and a berry, bid farewell to his family, and scamperred off into the mysterious forest, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
File 02: Educational
The Benefits of Daily Exercise
Engaging in daily physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Regular exercise can lead to numerous positive outcomes, including improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength and endurance, better mood, and enhanced cognitive function. Studies show that adults who exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week have a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Furthermore, physical activity can help manage stress and improve sleep quality, contributing to a more balanced and energetic life.
File 03: Editorial
Vote 'Yes' for a Greener Tomorrow!
Our town is at a crossroads, and the decision we make this Tuesday will shape our future for generations. The proposed 'Green Parks Initiative' is not just a proposal; it is a vital investment in the health and happiness of every resident. By voting 'YES' on Proposition 2, you will ensure the creation of new community gardens, the planting of hundreds of trees, and the expansion of our beloved local parks. Imagine cleaner air, more vibrant public spaces, and a stronger sense of community. Don't let this opportunity slip away! Stand with us for a healthier, more beautiful town. Your vote for Proposition 2 is a vote for a brighter, greener tomorrow!
Purpose Worksheet Detective Report: Why'd They Write That?!
Name:
Date:
Directions: For each passage, identify the author's purpose (Persuade, Inform, or Entertain). Then, write a Short Constructed Response (SCR) explaining why you chose that purpose. Use specific clues from the text!
Case File 01: The Brave Little Squirrel
Identify the Purpose:
Enter Purpose Here...
Short Constructed Response (SCR):
Case File 02: Benefits of Daily Exercise
Identify the Purpose:
Enter Purpose Here...
Short Constructed Response (SCR):
Case File 03: Vote 'Yes' for a Greener Tomorrow!
Identify the Purpose:
Enter Purpose Here...
Short Constructed Response (SCR):
The Ultimate Challenge!
A Recipe for Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, ¾ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 2 ¼ cups flour, chocolate chips...
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets.
Identify the Purpose:
Short Constructed Response (SCR):
Purpose Answer Key Answer Key
Why'd They Write That?! • Teacher Resource
Teacher Note:
Students' short constructed responses (SCR) may vary in wording. Use the samples below as a guide for grading. Key elements to look for are: 1) Accurate Purpose, 2) Textual Evidence, and 3) Logical Explanation.
Passage 1: The Brave Little Squirrel
To Entertain
Sample SCR:
The author's purpose in "The Brave Little Squirrel" is to entertain the reader. This is evident through the use of story elements such as a character (Squeaky), a setting (grand old oak tree), and a plot (quest for the Golden Acorn). The vivid descriptions like "insatiable appetite for acorns" also create an imaginative narrative designed to engage the reader's emotions.
Passage 2: Benefits of Daily Exercise
To Inform
Sample SCR:
The author's purpose in "The Benefits of Daily Exercise" is to inform the reader about the positive effects of physical activity. The text provides numerous facts and data, such as how exercise leads to "improved cardiovascular health" and mentioning that "adults who exercise for at least 30 minutes... have a lower risk of chronic diseases." The objective language and evidence clearly indicate an intention to educate the reader.
Passage 3: Vote 'Yes' for a Greener Tomorrow!
To Persuade
Sample SCR:
The author's purpose in "Vote 'Yes' for a Greener Tomorrow!" is to persuade the reader to vote for the 'Green Parks Initiative.' This is shown through strong opinionated language and calls to action, such as telling the reader "By voting 'YES' on Proposition 2, you will ensure..." The author uses emotional appeals like "cleaner air" and "more vibrant public spaces" to convince the reader to take action.
Challenge: Cookie Recipe
To Inform
Sample SCR:
The author's purpose in "A Recipe for Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies" is to inform the reader how to make cookies. This is achieved by providing clear, step-by-step instructions and a detailed list of ingredients. The text uses objective language to guide the reader through the process of baking, without expressing strong opinions or telling a narrative story.
