Year 3 English: Identify the Purpose of a Text

Introduction

Hello, Year 3! Today, we are going to learn about something very important in English: Identifying the purpose of a text. This means figuring out why a piece of writing was created. Understanding the purpose helps us understand the text better!

What is the Purpose of a Text?

The purpose of a text is the reason it was written. There are different purposes, and knowing them can help us understand what the writer wants to tell us.

Common Purposes

1. To Inform: This means the text gives us information. For example, a news article tells us about events happening in the world.
2. To Entertain: This means the text is meant to make us laugh or enjoy reading. For example, a story or a poem can entertain us.
3. To Persuade: This means the text tries to convince us to think or do something. For example, an advertisement wants us to buy a product.

Examples

• A recipe is written to inform us how to cook something.
• A funny story is written to entertain us.
• A movie trailer is made to persuade us to watch the film.

Key Rules

1. Look for Clues: Words and phrases can give hints about the purpose. If you see words like “try this!” it might be persuasive.
2. Think About the Audience: Who is the text for? If it’s for children, it might be entertaining. If it’s for adults, it might be informative.
3. Ask Questions: What do you think the writer wants you to feel or do after reading?

Tips and Tricks

• Skim the Text: Read the title and the first sentence of each paragraph to get an idea.
• Use Pictures: Sometimes, images can help you understand the purpose.
• Discuss with Others: Talking about the text with a friend can help you see different points of view.

Questions to Identify the Purpose of a Text

Easy Level Questions

1. What is the main purpose of a recipe?
2. Why do we read stories?
3. What does a news article inform us about?
4. What might an advertisement want us to do?
5. How can a joke make us feel?
6. Is a travel brochure meant to inform or entertain?
7. What type of text is a fairy tale?
8. Why do writers create poems?
9. What does a textbook help us learn?
10. Is a comic strip usually funny or serious?
11. What might a letter to a friend discuss?
12. What’s the purpose of a sports report?
13. Why do we read instructions?
14. How does a movie poster try to persuade us?
15. What do you think a blog post about pets is for?
16. What type of text is a diary entry?
17. Why might someone write a song?
18. What do we learn from a science article?
19. Is a joke book meant to inform or entertain?
20. Why do we have travel guides?

Medium Level Questions

1. What is the purpose of a biography?
2. How does a review of a book persuade readers?
3. What clues can you find in a warning sign?
4. How can a magazine article be both informative and entertaining?
5. What makes an opinion piece persuasive?
6. Why might a charity letter ask for donations?
7. What is the purpose of a children’s science book?
8. How do comics use humour to entertain?
9. What kind of text would you find in a library?
10. Can a recipe also be entertaining? How?
11. What can we learn from a historical article?
12. What is the purpose of a public service announcement?
13. How does a letter to the editor persuade others?
14. Why is a travel blog helpful for tourists?
15. What might a poem about nature aim to do?
16. How does a website about environmental issues inform us?
17. What is the purpose of a safety manual?
18. How can personal stories help persuade readers?
19. What clues tell you a text is meant to inform?
20. How does a flyer for a concert persuade people?

Hard Level Questions

1. How does the structure of a report help to inform the reader?
2. In what ways can an editorial influence public opinion?
3. Why might an author choose to blend fact and fiction in a narrative?
4. How can persuasive writing techniques affect the reader’s emotions?
5. What role does tone play in identifying the purpose of a text?
6. How might the intended audience shape the purpose of an advertisement?
7. Can a persuasive text also entertain? Give an example.
8. How does a documentary film inform viewers?
9. What strategies do authors use to persuade their audience in essays?
10. How can understanding the author’s background help us identify the purpose of their writing?
11. Why is context important when determining a text’s purpose?
12. In what way does a travel guide balance information and entertainment?
13. How do visuals in a text support its purpose?
14. Why might a historical account be written to persuade?
15. How does a non-fiction book’s purpose differ from that of a fiction book?
16. What clues indicate that a text is meant to entertain rather than inform?
17. How do headlines in newspapers hint at a text’s purpose?
18. In what ways can poetry be both expressive and persuasive?
19. What makes an advertisement successful in persuading its audience?
20. How do writers use anecdotes to support their purpose?

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. To inform us how to cook.
2. To enjoy reading and escape reality.
3. About events happening in the world.
4. To make us want to buy something.
5. It makes us laugh.
6. To inform.
7. To entertain.
8. To express feelings and ideas.
9. It helps us learn about subjects.
10. It is usually funny.
11. To share thoughts and experiences.
12. To inform about sports events.
13. To help us understand tasks.
14. To make us curious about the movie.
15. To inform about pet care.
16. To express personal thoughts.
17. To share feelings and stories.
18. To help us learn about science.
19. To entertain.
20. To inform about travel destinations.

Medium Level Answers

1. To tell about someone’s life.
2. To convince readers to read the book.
3. They warn us about dangers.
4. They can be fun and informative.
5. By using strong arguments.
6. To help the charity with money.
7. To teach kids about science.
8. They entertain through pictures and dialogue.
9. To gain knowledge on various topics.
10. Yes, it can be fun to follow.
11. To learn about past events.
12. To inform about safety issues.
13. To share opinions on topics.
14. To guide tourists to places.
15. To express beauty in nature.
16. To teach about environmental issues.
17. To keep people safe.
18. They share personal experiences.
19. By using clear language.
20. To encourage attendance.

Hard Level Answers

1. It helps organize information clearly.
2. It can change how people think.
3. To convey deeper meanings and themes.
4. They can make readers feel happy or angry.
5. It helps establish the text’s aim.
6. To connect with their interests.
7. Yes, like a funny ad about a product.
8. To educate viewers on a topic.
9. By presenting strong arguments and examples.
10. It gives insight into the writer’s viewpoint.
11. It helps us understand the text better.
12. To provide useful information while being enjoyable.
13. They can highlight important points.
14. To persuade readers about a viewpoint.
15. Non-fiction informs, fiction entertains.
16. Entertaining texts often use humour or fantasy.
17. They reflect the text’s main point.
18. To evoke feelings and thoughts.
19. By appealing to emotions and needs.
20. By using real stories and relatable characters.

I hope this helps you understand how to identify the purpose of a text! Remember, practice makes perfect! Happy reading!