Author’s Purpose & Text Structure

Recognizing the Author’s Purpose for Writing

Understanding the author’s purpose for writing a passage is essential for effective reading comprehension. It provides a framework for interpreting the information presented and helps you anticipate the overall message the author is trying to convey. Here are the three main purposes that authors typically have for writing:

• Inform: The primary goal of informative texts is to convey knowledge or present factual information on a specific topic. These texts aim to educate the reader and increase their understanding of a subject. Informative texts can include textbooks, scientific articles, news reports, and instructional manuals.
  • Key Signs: Informative texts often use clear and concise language, with a focus on facts, definitions, statistics, and research findings. They may also include transitional words such as “first,” “second,” “next,” and “in addition” to guide the reader through the information presented.
• Persuade: Persuasive texts aim to convince the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action. These texts often use emotional appeals, logical arguments, and evidence to support the author’s position. Examples of persuasive texts include opinion pieces, editorials, advertisements, and political speeches.
  • Key Signs: Persuasive texts may use loaded language, strong verbs, and rhetorical questions to influence the reader’s opinion. They will often present arguments for and against a particular viewpoint, with the author aiming to convince the reader of their perspective.
• Entertain: The primary purpose of entertaining texts is to amuse or engage the reader. These texts may use humor, suspense, vivid imagery, and storytelling techniques to capture the reader’s attention. Examples of entertaining texts include novels, short stories, poems, and comedies.
  • Key Signs: Entertaining texts often use figurative language, descriptive language, and a focus on plot development and character creation. The tone of the writing may be humorous, lighthearted, or suspenseful, depending on the genre.

Analyzing Text Structures

The way an author organizes their ideas within a passage is known as the text structure. There are several common text structures that authors utilize to present information in a clear and logical way. Understanding these structures can significantly improve your comprehension of the main idea and the author’s intent. Here are some key text structures to be familiar with:

• Chronological: A chronological text structure organizes information in a sequential order, typically following a timeline. This structure is often used for historical accounts, biographies, or processes with specific steps. Transition words like “first,” “then,” “next,” and “finally” are commonly used to indicate the sequence of events.

• Cause-and-Effect: A cause-and-effect text structure explores the relationship between events or phenomena. The author explains how one event (cause) leads to another event (effect). Transition words like “because,” “therefore,” “as a result,” and “consequently” are used to signal the cause-and-effect relationship.

• Compare-and-Contrast: A compare-and-contrast text structure examines the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. The author may discuss both points of comparison and points of contrast to highlight the relationship between the subjects. Transition words like “similarly,” “differently,” “in contrast,” and “on the other hand” are commonly used in this structure.

• Problem-Solution: A problem-solution text structure identifies a problem or challenge and then proposes solutions or strategies to address it. This structure is often used in persuasive writing and argumentative essays. Transition words like “however,” “therefore,” and “in conclusion” may be used to indicate the shift from problem to solution.
  

How Text Structure Aids in Understanding the Main Idea and Author’s Intent

Identifying the text structure used in a passage can be a valuable tool for understanding the author’s purpose and the main idea they are trying to convey. Here’s how:

• Informative Texts: Chronological structures are often used in informative texts to present historical events or processes in a step-by-step manner. Cause-and-effect structures can be used to explain how natural phenomena work or how technological advancements came about. Compare-and-contrast structures may be used to explore the similarities and differences between different scientific theories or historical periods.

• Persuasive Texts: Problem-solution structures are frequently used in persuasive writing. The author identifies a problem and then presents their proposed solution as the most effective way to address it. Cause-and-effect structures can be used to warn of the negative consequences of not taking a particular action.

• Entertaining Texts: Chronological structures are often used in narratives to tell stories and depict events in a sequential order. However, some entertaining texts, like mystery novels, may use a non-chronological structure to build suspense and surprise the reader.

Practice Exercises to Identify Author’s Purpose & Text Structure

Passage 1:

The History of Aspirin

Aspirin, one of the most widely used medications globally, has a long and fascinating history. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people used willow bark to treat pain and fever. The active ingredient in willow bark, salicin, was eventually isolated and refined into what we now know as aspirin. The development of aspirin in the 19th century revolutionized pain management and continues to be a mainstay in modern medicine.

Questions:

1. What is the author’s purpose for writing this passage?
   • Answer: Inform (The passage provides historical information about aspirin)
2. What text structure does the passage use?
   • Answer: Chronological (The passage traces the history of aspirin from its ancient origins to its modern use)

Passage 2:

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion

Fast fashion, characterized by trendy clothing at low prices, has become a dominant force in the fashion industry. However, this convenience comes at a significant environmental cost. Fast fashion relies on mass production of clothing from cheap, synthetic materials, leading to increased pollution and textile waste. The dyeing process used in fast fashion can contaminate waterways, and discarded clothing often ends up in landfills. Sustainable alternatives, such as buying second-hand clothing or supporting brands with eco-friendly practices, are becoming increasingly popular as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Questions:

1. What is the author’s purpose for writing this passage?
   • Answer: Persuade (The passage aims to convince readers about the negative environmental impact of fast fashion and promote sustainable alternatives)
2. What text structure does the passage use?
   • Answer: Problem-Solution (The passage identifies the problem of fast fashion’s environmental impact and proposes solutions like buying second-hand clothing)

Passage 3:

The Adventures of Captain Amelia

Captain Amelia, a fearless pirate captain, sailed the high seas in search of adventure. She commanded her ship, the “Sea Serpent,” with a crew of loyal pirates, and their adventures took them to uncharted territories and hidden coves. One day, they encountered a rival pirate ship, the “Blackheart,” captained by the notorious Captain Blackheart. A fierce battle ensued, cannons roared, and swords clashed. But Captain Amelia, with her cunning strategy and unwavering courage, led her crew to victory. They captured Captain Blackheart’s treasure and sailed away into the sunset, ready for their next exciting adventure.

Questions:

1. What is the author’s purpose for writing this passage?
   • Answer: Entertain (The passage tells a fictional story about a pirate captain and her adventures)
2. What text structure does the passage use?
   • Answer: Chronological (The passage narrates the events in the order they happen, following Captain Amelia’s adventure)

Additional Tips:

• Pay attention to keywords and phrases that can signal the author’s purpose or text structure.
• Consider the overall tone and style of the writing. Is it factual and objective, or is it persuasive and emotionally charged?
• Look for transitional words and phrases that indicate how ideas are connected within the passage.

By practicing with a variety of passages and identifying the author’s purpose and text structure, you can strengthen your reading comprehension skills and become a more discerning reader. This will not only benefit you on the HESI A2 exam but also enhance your ability to understand and analyze written information throughout your nursing career.