What does the author's purpose refer to in a text?

The author’s purpose in a text refers to the reason behind writing it. This can encompass various motivations, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or express thoughts and feelings. Understanding the author’s purpose is critical because it provides insights into the text's message and how to interpret it.

When readers grasp why an author has written a piece, they can better analyze the content and the techniques employed to achieve that purpose. For example, if an author aims to persuade, the language and structure may be designed to convince readers of a specific viewpoint. Therefore, recognizing that the author’s purpose is primarily focused on their intent helps enhance comprehension and engagement with the text.