Why is it important to evaluate the author’s purpose when reading an informational text? (It can explain what the author’s opinion is on information presented; It can help determine what an author wants them to learn from the text; It can highlight the qualifications a writer has in a certain field; It can suggest how the reader should feel about the information text)

Evaluating the author’s purpose when reading an informational text is important for several reasons, primarily centered around understanding the text's message and intent.

1. **Determining Learning Objectives**: Understanding the author’s purpose helps readers identify what the author wants them to learn or take away from the text. This allows readers to focus on key concepts and ideas, making the reading experience more effective and purposeful.

2. **Understanding Implicit Opinions**: Analyzing the author’s purpose can reveal the author's perspective or biases regarding the information presented. Recognizing this can inform readers about potential slants in the information, helping them form their own informed opinions.

3. **Assessing Credibility**: Knowing the author's qualifications and background in a certain field can provide context for the information and help readers evaluate how much trust to place in the arguments and data presented. This insight into credibility is crucial in fields where expertise is necessary.

4. **Emotional Impact**: The author’s purpose can also guide the emotional response of the reader. Understanding whether the author aims to persuade, inform, or evoke certain feelings can shape how the reader interprets the information, influencing their engagement with the text.

Overall, evaluating the author’s purpose enhances comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to engage with informational texts in a meaningful way.