Purpose, audience and viewpoint · Grade 2

In Grade 2 you learn: purpose: to inform, persuade, entertain or instruct.

Every text is written for a reason (its purpose), for someone (its audience), and often shows what the writer thinks (their viewpoint). Asking why, who for and what the writer thinks helps you understand any text.

Key facts

  • The main purposes: to inform (give facts), to persuade (change what you think or do), to entertain (amuse or excite), to instruct (tell you how to do something).
  • Clues to the purpose: facts and numbers inform; commands and steps instruct; opinions, strong words and questions persuade; characters and events entertain.

Worked examples

Example 1

What is the purpose? Stir the mixture for two minutes, then pour it into the tin.

Answer: to instruct

Example 2

Why was this written? Join our chess club! It's free, fun and friendly.

Answer: to persuade

Example 3

Why was this written? Sharks have been on Earth for over 400 million years.

Answer: to inform

Other years