11+ Comprehension · Topic explained
The author's purpose and effect
Why did the writer choose that, and not something else?
The big idea
Every text has a purpose, and every choice is made to have an effect on you.
Picture it
Like a chef choosing ingredients: each one is there for a reason.
Key words
- Purpose
- Why the text was written: to inform, persuade, instruct or entertain.
- Effect
- What a choice makes the reader feel, think or picture.
- Audience
- Who the text is written for.
Worked examples
- 1Warm-up
"Penguins cannot fly, but they use their wings like flippers to swim."
- Gives facts: the purpose is to inform.
- 211+ standard
"The door creaked. Silence. Then footsteps." Why are the sentences so short?
- Short sentences slow us down, one moment at a time.
- Effect: tension builds.
- 311+ standard
"Would you want to live in a town with no library?"
- A rhetorical question: no answer expected.
- Effect: makes you agree the library matters.
- 411+ standard
A story opens with a calm, sparkling sea, then a storm hits in paragraph two. Why start calm?
- Contrast: the calm makes the storm feel more sudden and shocking.
The common mistake
The mistake
Writing "It makes the reader want to read on" for every effect.
Instead
Be specific: exactly what does the reader feel or picture, and why?
Why: That phrase fits almost any text, so it earns few marks.
Where it comes up in the 11+
"Why has the writer used…?", "What is the purpose of the final paragraph?"
The video
Video coming soon
We're making a short video that explains the author's purpose and effect step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.
Free printable
The author's purpose and effect worksheet
Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.
Download the worksheet (PDF)Free account needed: it takes a minute.
Quick quiz
Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.
1. A leaflet says "Join today: it's the best club in town!" Its main purpose is to…
- Inform
- Persuade
- Entertain
- Instruct
Show the answerHide the answer
Persuade
It wants you to join, and it uses an opinion to tempt you.
2. Which is the most precise comment on effect?
- It makes it interesting
- It makes you want to read on
- The short sentences slow the reader down and build tension
- It is good writing
Show the answerHide the answer
The short sentences slow the reader down and build tension
It names the choice and says exactly what it does to the reader.
3. "Mix the flour and butter, then add the egg." The purpose is to…
- Instruct
- Persuade
- Entertain
- Describe a character
Show the answerHide the answer
Instruct
Bossy verbs telling you what to do, step by step, are instructions.