Look at verbs and tone
Urge, should, and clearly favor persuasion; define and describe favor explaining.
comprehension game · 3–5 min
Author’s purpose sort
Decide what the writer aims to do, then pick the line that best supports that purpose.
How to play author’s purpose sort
Author’s purpose sort asks why the writer wrote the passage, not only what it says. You choose inform, persuade, explain, or entertain — then pick the line that best proves it. Purpose awareness sharpens critical reading. Once you know the aim, tone, evidence, and structure make more sense — and trick options on tests become easier to spot. Strong practice for essays, editorials, and mixed nonfiction on exams.
Match purpose to evidence
A correct purpose choice should be backed by a concrete line from the text.
Don’t confuse topic with purpose
A passage can be about tea and still aim to inform, persuade, or explain differently.
Tips for author’s purpose sort
Habits that make this game transfer to real reading and official tests.
Ask “what should I do or believe?”
If the text pushes a stance, purpose is likely persuasive.
Pair with fact vs opinion
Purpose and evaluation skills reinforce each other.
Watch endings
Conclusions often reveal whether the writer wanted action, understanding, or feeling.
Frequently asked questions
Answers about author’s purpose sort, what it trains, and how to improve.
Common school categories are to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain — this game uses that framework.
Yes, but one usually dominates. Choose the primary aim the whole text supports.
Purpose questions are common, and knowing purpose also clarifies main idea and tone items.
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