Glossary
Document (Purpose)
A common authorial purpose involving the recording of events, experiences, observations, or data for future reference.
Example:
A scientist's lab notebook serves to document experimental procedures and results.
Educate (Purpose)
A common authorial purpose focused on teaching the reader about a specific topic, concept, or skill.
Example:
A textbook on calculus is designed to educate students on advanced mathematical principles.
Entertain (Purpose)
A common authorial purpose designed to provide enjoyment, amusement, or emotional engagement for the reader.
Example:
A fantasy novel with dragons and magic is written primarily to entertain its audience.
Historical and Cultural Context
The specific time period, societal norms, beliefs, and events surrounding the creation of a text, which can influence its meaning and reception.
Example:
Understanding the historical and cultural context of the American Civil Rights Movement is crucial to fully grasp the impact of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches.
Inform (Purpose)
A common authorial purpose focused on presenting facts, data, or objective information to the reader.
Example:
A news article detailing the results of a recent election aims to inform the public about current events.
Intended Audience
The specific group of people the author aims to reach with their text, influencing the language, style, and content choices.
Example:
A children's book with simple vocabulary and large illustrations clearly targets a young intended audience.
Literary Devices
Techniques used by authors to create specific effects, enhance meaning, or evoke emotions in a text, such as metaphor, symbolism, or imagery.
Example:
The author's repeated use of bird literary devices throughout the poem symbolized freedom and escape.
Persuade (Purpose)
A common authorial purpose aimed at convincing the reader to agree with a particular viewpoint, adopt a belief, or take a specific action.
Example:
An editorial arguing for stricter environmental regulations seeks to persuade readers to support conservation efforts.
Purpose
The author's primary reason for writing a text, representing their specific goal or intention.
Example:
The purpose of a political speech is often to convince voters to support a candidate or policy.
Rhetorical Choices
The specific decisions an author makes regarding language, structure, and appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) to achieve their purpose and connect with their audience.
Example:
The speaker's use of vivid imagery and emotional appeals were effective rhetorical choices to stir the crowd's patriotism.
Tone
The author's attitude toward their subject, audience, or themselves, conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and other stylistic elements.
Example:
The satirical essay adopted a mocking tone to criticize societal hypocrisy.