Why do authors write? Is it to inform, to entertain, or to persuade? The answer is, in fact, all of the above and more. Understanding an author's purpose can drastically change how we perceive their work. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech is a quintessential example of persuasive writing. King eloquently crafted his words to ignite a sense of urgency for racial equality. On the other hand, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is primarily written to entertain, transporting readers to a magical world filled with complex characters and spellbinding adventures. Identifying an author's purpose isn't always straightforward. It requires a deep understanding of the text and the ability to discern subtle cues. Here's a tip: Try to determine what emotion or response the author is trying to elicit from the reader. Are they trying to make you laugh, cry, or think deeply about a certain issue? Once you identify this, you're one step closer to understanding the author's purpose. Remember, the power of a piece of writing often lies in its purpose. So, the next time you pick up a book or read an article, ask yourself, 'What is the author trying to accomplish?' Your understanding of the text will only deepen from there.