English Grade Nine; Analyzing Author's Purpose

Introduction

This webquest will serve as a TEST GRADE, if you have any questions please talk to me!

By the end of this webquest you will be able to identify:

  • The types of author's purpose

  • The audience it is directed towards

  • The message behind the text

  • The use of figures of speech and how they apply to the tone of the passage

 

What is Author's Purpose? Follow this link to further understand:

https://selfpublishingresources.com/what-is-an-authors-purpose/#:~:text=What%20is%20an%20author%E2%80%99s%20purpose%3F%201%20Persuade.%20The,with%20the%20intent%20to%20entertain%20the%20reader.%20

Wait what are the Figures of Speech again? Follow this link to refresh your memory:

https://www.vedantu.com/english/figure-of-speech

 

Task

Now that you should have an understanding of what an author's purpose is you will begin to implement that knowledge into your reading process.

In order to further your skills in literary analysis you will need to do the following:

Choose one short story from the provided options.

As you read, begin to use your annotation strategies to mark any figures of speech, diction (their choices of words or phrases), or syntax (the way the words are put together) that might affect the mood of their writing. 

Depending on your annotations, decide what you think the author's purpose was and who the targeted audience was.

You will be submitting two separate word documents to me by email:

Your story with connected annotations

Your answers to upcoming questions

Process

Choose one story from the following list:

The Story of An Hour by Kate Chopin

https://americanliterature.com/author/kate-chopin/short-story/the-story-of-an-hour

The Storm by Kate Chopin

https://americanliterature.com/author/kate-chopin/short-story/the-storm

Home Burial by Robert Frost

https://americanliterature.com/author/robert-frost/poem/home-burial

The Fly by Katherine Mansfield 

https://americanliterature.com/author/katherine-mansfield/short-story/the-fly

Desiree's Baby by Kate Chopin

https://americanliterature.com/author/kate-chopin/short-story/desirees-baby

The Boarded Window by Ambrose Bierce

https://americanliterature.com/author/ambrose-bierce/short-story/the-boarded-window

(Keep in mind that I have also read each of these short stories, and I promise they will give you a large opportunity regarding annotating)

Once you have selected a story, copy and paste it into a word document. From here you will be able to highlight and add comments to keep track of your ideas and notes. 

⇒You will be expected to answer the following questions after you have annotated and feel as if you can confidently back up your opinion of the story with evidence taken from the passage:

(These questions will be typed on Microsoft Word in a clear format of your choosing)

What is the author's purpose of writing this story:

  • What inspired them?
  • Who were they writing it for?
  • What evidence are you given to support your choice? (this question is important and will require thought and attention to detail)

List at least ten examples of figures of speech used in the story:

  • What is the figure of speech? (ex. Metaphor)
  • What is the quote?
  • How does it impact the story?

 

Extra Credit Question:

How does this story impact you? 

To receive full credit, your answer must be at least 100 words.

Evaluation

Please keep in mind that this assignment will be a test grade and we will be working on it all week. Use your time wisely and TAKE NOTES!

Rubric

  5 10 15 20 Total
Annotation Story was lacking clear annotation. Story shows a small amount of selected phrases but no explanation is provided. Story shows an adequate amount of selected phrases and linking explanation  Story has an exceptional amount of selected phrases and apparent linking explanations  
Figures of Speech Less than ten figures of speech have been selected with a lack of description Less than ten figures of speech have been selected with a passable amount of description Ten figures of speech have been selected with a passable amount of description  Ten figures of speech were found with an notable amount of description  
Use of Evidence to Defend Author's Purpose Author's purpose has been chosen but lacks evidence from the story Author's purpose has been chosen but doesn't match the evidence given Author's purpose has been chosen and evidence adequately supports it Author's purpose has been chosen and evidence clearly supports it in detail  
Format of Completed Work Assignment is not clearly formatted and lacks information Format is clear but lacks information Format is adequate and provides information Format is clear and information is provided   

Extra Credit will rely on word count, you cannot have a wrong answer on how this story may affect you. Although, if it is apparent that you are not writing on topic then it will not count. 

 

Conclusion

By the end of this assignment you should be able to clearly recognize the author's purpose and show clear evidence to support your opinion. 

Author's purpose not only pertains to figurative language, but is used everyday without us even realizing it. It is important to be familiar with the motives people have before attempting to interpret their writings. 

Credits

Short Stories: Americanliterature.com

Figures of Speech: selfpublishingresources.com