How to identify a writer's intention

Part ofLanguage and LiteracyPractise and revise KS2 English

What is a writer's intention?

This page has been put together to help you practise and revisit some of the brilliant skills you’ve learned all through primary school.

It’s a great way to boost your confidence in English and get you ready for the exciting next step into Year 8!

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A writer’s intention (sometimes called writer’s purpose) explains why a text has been written.

Writers usually write to entertain, inform, persuade or express feelings.

In a comprehension question you might be asked to identify a writer’s intention and to justify their choice using clues from the text.

As you move through this page, you’ll learn how to:

  • understand the writer’s purpose
  • read more thoughtfully and understand the message behind the words
A girl wearing headphones, writing at a desk, where she learns about writer's intention for the SEAG transfer test
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The four main types of writer’s intention

Writers usually write for one of four main purposes.

Sometimes a text may include more than one purpose.

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1. To entertain

Texts written to entertain aim to amuse, interest or engage the reader.

Common text types:

  • stories
  • novels
  • poems
  • plays
  • songs

Language clues:

  • humorous or dramatic language
  • descriptive details
  • dialogue
A girl sits writing at a desk, where she imagines aliens and spaceships, as she thinks about writer's intention for the SEAG transfer test
An illustration of numerous newspapers, folded and stacked in piles, as an example of how language is used to inform, for SEAG transfer test revision

2. To inform

Texts written to inform aim to give the reader facts or information.

Common text types:

  • newspaper articles
  • non-fiction books
  • instructions
  • reports

Language clues:

  • facts and statistics
  • neutral or formal tone
  • headings and sub headings
An illustration of numerous newspapers, folded and stacked in piles, as an example of how language is used to inform, for SEAG transfer test revision
An image of a girl giving a speech, at a lecturn, with microphones, an example of persuasive language found on the SEAG transfer test

3. To persuade

Texts written to persuade try to change the reader’s opinion or encourage action.

Common text types:

  • advertisements
  • leaflets
  • speeches
  • letters of complaint

Language features to look for:

  • rhetorical questions (for example, why wouldn’t you join?)
  • emotive language
  • direct address (you)
  • calls to action (sign up today)
An image of a girl giving a speech, at a lecturn, with microphones, an example of persuasive language found on the SEAG transfer test
An image of an open diary, with someone writing in it, as an example of texts that express feelings in the SEAG transfer test

4. To express feelings

Texts written to express feelings share personal thoughts, emotions or experiences.

Common text types:

  • diaries
  • autobiographies
  • personal letters

Language clues:

  • first person writing (I, my)
  • emotional or reflective language
An image of an open diary, with someone writing in it, as an example of texts that express feelings in the SEAG transfer test
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Language feature clues

Language features give clues about the writer’s intention. The table below lists some of these features.

IntentionLanguage features to look for
Entertaindescription, dialogue, humour
Informfacts, dates, clear explanations
Persuaderhetorical questions, emotive language, commands
Express feelingspersonal pronouns, emotions
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Mixed purpose texts

An giant open book with a person reading its pages, as they think about writer's intention for the SEAG transfer test

Many texts do more than one job, and you may be asked to identify:

  • the main (dominant) purpose

  • a secondary purpose

For example:

A leaflet explaining how to recycle correctly and encouraging people to recycle more.

Here the main purpose is to inform and the secondary purpose is to persuade.

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Why does a writer’s intention matter?

Understanding a writer’s intention helps you to:

  • work out what the writer is hinting at or not saying directly

  • explain why the writer has chosen to write something

  • pick the best answer in multiple‑choice questions more confidently

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A child in a yellow t-shirt, thinks about a top tip for learning about writer's intention

Top tip

Ask yourself:

  • What is the writer trying to make me think, feel or do?

  • Which words or features helped me decide?

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Practice: Identify the writer’s intention

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A light bulb reveals a top tip for learning about writer's intention for the SEAG transfer test

Top tip

Always match the language features to the intention - not just the text type.

A light bulb reveals a top tip for learning about writer's intention for the SEAG transfer test
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Quiz time!

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Brain boost

Think about these questions to stretch your thinking and sharpen your skills!

  • Why do you think it’s useful to know the writer’s intention when reading a text?

  • Can you think of a text you read recently and explain what the writer’s purpose was?

  • How does knowing the writer’s intention help you respond to the text more effectively?

Have a chat about your answers with a parent, teacher or your class.

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