1.10.A
ELA1st Grade
The Standard
discuss the author's purpose for writing text
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain why an author wrote a text. They use words, pictures, and details from the text to support their thinking.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students state a clear reason the author wrote a text, such as to teach, entertain, persuade, or share feelings. They point to a picture, word, or detail that supports their answer.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may name the topic instead of explaining why the author wrote. They may assume every story entertains and every nonfiction book teaches. Some give vague answers such as, “The author wanted to write.”
How to Assess It
- Read aloud: “Wear a helmet when you ride your bike. It protects your head.” Ask, “Why did the author write this, and what words helped you decide?”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs three short texts to sort under teach, entertain, and persuade cards, then have them circle one clue in each text.
Read a picture book and ask, “What did the author want readers to think, feel, learn, or do?”
Play Purpose Detective by reading short passages while students hold up teach, entertain, or persuade cards and explain one clue.
Examine a cereal box, safety sign, and party invitation, then discuss why each writer created it and who should read it.
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