Author's Purpose

A metaphor is a figure of speech in which two unlike things are compared without using “like” or “as.” A metaphor makes a direct comparison. In the example “Myrna is a wildcat today,” Myrna is described as difficult to get along with. Comparing her to a wildcat allows the author to illustrate her personality with voice and flair. Do not, however, confuse factual statements as metaphors. If a wildcat is named Myrna, the sentence “Myrna is a wildcat” would not be a metaphor at all.

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain

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The election for governor has turned into a circus. Candidates are so busy trying to buy votes, they no longer care what is best for our state. It is imperative that the citizens demand our politicians be worthy leaders. On September 29, write in the name “Barbara Billups” for governor. The establishment may not have chosen to

include her on the ballot, but the citizens can ensure that she is our next leader!

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain

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Eliza's Extreme Hair Elixir is the most effective remedy available to the public. Made of a complex mixture of oak bark and vitamin O, Eliza's Extreme Hair Elixir is guaranteed to grow back your tresses in as little as two days. Simply drink one liter every night. Within a week, you will see new hair growth. It will look completely natural. Have a full head of luxurious tresses, like you’ve always wanted. Purchase Eliza's Extreme Hair Elixir at a super-market near you.

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain

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The long, white halls of the Children’s Hospital were very similar to the ones in South Carolina. Back when I was diagnosed, the bland walls seemed sterile and sad. I turned into Deena’s room and was surprised to see enormous flowers painted in bright reds, blues and yellows on her walls. A brand new TV connected to a DVD player- and loaded down with games was in the corner. I looked

around. Deena was sitting on the edge of her bed, red eyed from crying. She was a small girl of nine, with curly red hair pulled back in a scrunchie. She wore a hospital gown and had an IV hooked up to the crook in her arm.

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain

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But the diabetes part was bad, too. Not for what you’d think, though. People thought that getting shots and sticking my finger multiple times a day was the horrible part. Well, okay, that was. But even worse than that, was that no one really understands diabetes. Some people think I did something stupid, so I deserve diabetes. (Actually, I just felt sick one day, went to the doctor and came out as a

diabetic.) Some people think I am contagious. (The only thing you can get from me is a look of pity and a large dose of sarcasm). Some people think I shouldn’t whine about diabetes. (I really try not to.) Others can’t understand why I don’t whine about it. (Many times I’d actually really like to.) Regardless, I can never win.

• Persuade

• Inform

• Entertain

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Pinky went to the refrigerator and pulled out two slim deli packets. “Today we are making sandwiches. Most people think sandwiches are simple. But there are rules. Let’s first start with the filling.” Pinky held up one package. “This is Havarti and this...” she tapped a perfectly manicured hand on the second packet... “this is Provolone.” She opened

the flimsy packaging and with a three-tined fork, peeled off a thin slice of white and then golden cheese and placed the slices on our plates. “Try them,” she coaxed.

• to create an experience for the reader through abstract details

• to demonstrate what the causes and effects of fine dining are

• to narrate an incident using humor

• to narrate a story using sensory images

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It is important to break some rules. Think back in history to

Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They realized the rules of the country were unjust. It was necessary for them to break rules in order to bring about change. Parks and King were not your typical delinquents. But they were rule-breakers. In their cases, breaking rules was not only important, it was heroic. Don’t dismiss the idea of breaking rules. Instead, consider each rule carefully.

• to create a description of an abstract term

• to demonstrate the causes of violence in America

• to present an objective discussion of heroes

• to persuade readers, citing historical examples

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When I went upstairs I couldn't help but think about Christy. It was strange that she knew where I lived. It was totally strange that she wanted my chemistry notes. Who was this girl who was outfitted in a flapper dress and knee boots? What connection did she have to our school- and more specifically- me?

• to present an objective discussion of a visitor

• to narrate a story using suspense

• to analyze an argument, by breaking down its parts

• to demonstrate what the causes and effects of visitors are

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The PorCam is a camera worn by porcupines. Conservationists use this research tool to track the behavior of wildlife. It has given zoologists valuable insight into how Porcupines live. Before the PorCam, most

believed that porcupines could throw their quills at predators. Watching PorCam reels, scientists discovered that while quills fell out easily, they were never thrown. The PorCam provides never-before-seen images which allows for more complete research.

• to give information about a product

• to persuade the reader to purchase an item

• to give chronological instructions for following a procedure

• to create a description of a scene

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Is it possible a word can be its own antonym? Absolutely! Called contronyms, these special words can cause problems for those who do not know both meanings. “Bad” can mean “not good,” but it can also mean “good.” A non-native speaker may not understand the context of such a contronym. Surprisingly, there are many examples. Research how “out” and “overlook” can be self-antonyms!

• to explain something that is not well known

• to persuade readers to speak a foreign language

• to demonstrate the effects of a growing popula;on

• to present a logical argument

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