🔍 Part 1: Understanding Author's Purpose

1. Authors write for three main reasons. Match each purpose with its description:

1. To Inform

2. To Entertain

3. To Persuade

A. To make you laugh, cry, or feel excited

B. To teach you facts or explain something

C. To convince you to think or do something

2. Circle the clue words that might show an author wants to PERSUADE you:

"You should..."

"The best choice is..."

"Once upon a time..."

"Scientists have discovered..."

"Don't you think...?"

📚 Part 2: Text Analysis Practice

3. Read this excerpt from a Māori legend:

"Long ago, Māui was known throughout Aotearoa as the greatest trickster of all time. One day, he decided to slow down the sun because it moved too quickly across the sky, making the days too short for his people to finish their work. With great cunning and bravery, Māui set out on his incredible adventure..."

What is the author's main purpose for writing this text?

To inform readers about New Zealand's climate

To entertain readers with a traditional story

To persuade readers to visit Aotearoa

4. What clues in the text helped you decide? Write at least two clues:

🌺 Part 3: Pacific Island Text

5. Read this excerpt:

"The coconut palm is one of the most important trees in Pacific Island communities. Every part of the tree can be used: the coconut provides fresh water and nutritious meat, the leaves can be woven into baskets and roofs, and the trunk provides strong timber for building. This remarkable tree can grow up to 30 metres tall and live for over 100 years."

The author's purpose is to:

Entertain with a funny story

Inform about coconut palm uses

Persuade people to plant coconut trees

6. Fill in the blanks with clue words from the text that show the author's purpose:

The author uses factual words like "____________" metres tall and "____________" years to give us information. The phrase "every part of the tree can be ____________" shows the author is explaining facts.

📰 Part 4: Modern Text Analysis

7. Read this advertisement:

"Don't miss the Rugby World Cup final this weekend! Join thousands of fans at Eden Park for the most exciting match of the year. Tickets are selling fast - only $45 for adults and $20 for children. Book now and be part of sporting history! Call 0800-RUGBY or visit our website today!"

List three persuasive techniques the author uses:

8. Check all the clue words/phrases that show this text is meant to persuade:

"Don't miss"

"Most exciting"

"Tickets are selling fast"

"Book now"

"Eden Park"

"Be part of sporting history"