Distinguish an author’s purpose

Supplied materials

• Paper and pencil, or a browser text area. All named people/events/records are fictional learning inputs.
• Worked case: Aim: explain how a paper hinge bends. Transition: next. Support: bend angle measured 30 degrees. Graphic note: three models only.
• Primary check: Aim: urge readers to choose a paper hinge. Transition: however. Support: Jo says it felt easier to bend. Graphic note: observations from Monday only.

Learn the idea

Nonfiction purposes differ. A process explanation shows how something works, persuasion argues for a choice, reporting describes an event and a definition clarifies a term.

Use the excerpt’s stated aim and actual language. A topic alone does not determine whether the writer explains or persuades.

Example to read or listen to: Aim: explain how a paper hinge bends. Transition: next. Support: bend angle measured 30 degrees. Graphic note: three models only. The answer is explain a process. The relevant input states: Aim: explain how a paper hinge bends. This fits explain a process. Nonfiction purposes differ. A process explanation shows how something works, persuasion argues for a choice, reporting describes an event and a definition clarifies a term. All factual sentences are not complete process explanations.

1. Read or listen to the worked example. Say what the reading or writing task asks you to find. An adult can help with unfamiliar words.
2. Use the excerpt’s stated aim and actual language. A topic alone does not determine whether the writer explains or persuades.
3. Check the worked solution: explain a process. The relevant input states: Aim: explain how a paper hinge bends. This fits explain a process. Nonfiction purposes differ. A process explanation shows how something works, persuasion argues for a choice, reporting describes an event and a definition clarifies a term. All factual sentences are not complete process explanations.
4. Try the question and the practice questions. Point to the words that helped you choose before checking the feedback.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

Optional extra practice: Write an explanatory paragraph using this fictional record: three paper hinges, widths 2, 3 and 4 cm; each folded once on Monday. Include a process transition and measured detail. Then write a persuasive sentence separately and identify the small sample and date limit. Practice this lesson’s skill as you complete the task. Use this idea to check your work: Nonfiction purposes differ. A process explanation shows how something works, persuasion argues for a choice, reporting describes an event and a definition clarifies a term.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.