What is the term for the reason an author writes a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or express?

• A. Point of View
• B. Theme
• C. Central Idea
• D. Author's Purpose

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is recognizing the author’s purpose—the reason the author writes the text. That purpose is the goal the writer has in mind, such as informing you with facts, persuading you to think or act a certain way, entertaining you with a story, or expressing feelings or opinions. Understanding this helps you read with attention to why certain information is included and how the writer tries to affect you. It’s different from point of view (whose voice tells the story), theme (the message or lesson), or central idea (the main point of the text). For example, a passage designed to inform will present facts and explanations; one meant to persuade will argue a position; one to entertain will tell a story meant to amuse; one to express will share personal thoughts or feelings.