What does the phrase author’s purpose describe?

The phrase "author's purpose" refers to the reason why an author writes a particular text. It encompasses the intent behind the writing, which can typically be categorized into three main purposes:

1. **To Inform**: Authors write to provide information or facts about a particular topic. This is common in textbooks, news articles, and instructional materials.

2. **To Persuade**: In this case, the author aims to convince the reader of a specific viewpoint or encourage them to take a particular action. This purpose is often seen in opinion pieces, advertisements, and persuasive essays.

3. **To Entertain**: Authors may seek to entertain readers through storytelling, humor, or engaging narratives. This purpose is typical in novels, short stories, poetry, and plays.

Sometimes, an author may have multiple purposes in a single piece of writing, and understanding the author's purpose can enhance a reader's comprehension and engagement with the text.