How do you determine the author's purpose?

Determining the author's purpose involves examining why the author created the text in the first place. This can include identifying whether the intention was to inform the reader about a topic, persuade them to adopt a particular viewpoint, entertain them with a story or imagery, or express feelings and thoughts through creative writing. Understanding the author’s purpose provides deeper insight into the themes and messages conveyed throughout the work.

For instance, if the text aims to inform, it will present facts and information clearly and logically. If it seeks to persuade, it might include arguments that appeal to the reader's emotions or logic. Recognizing these goals allows readers to engage with the text more critically and understand the nuances behind the words. Other options, such as identifying conflicts or analyzing setting, while important for understanding a narrative, do not directly address the overarching motivation behind the author’s writing. Summarizing the text provides a recap rather than insight into the purpose, making it less relevant for this particular inquiry.