What does an 'author's purpose' refer to in reading?

The concept of 'author's purpose' is fundamental in understanding a text because it helps readers identify the underlying motivations behind the author's writing. This encompasses various reasons an author may have, such as to inform, entertain, persuade, or express feelings. Recognizing the author's purpose allows readers to engage with the content on a deeper level, leading to better comprehension and analysis.

For instance, if an author writes a persuasive piece, understanding the purpose helps the reader critically assess the arguments and techniques used. This insight can enhance the overall reading experience and facilitate a more nuanced discussion of the text.

In contrast, an emotional tone relates more to how the text feels rather than the reason for its creation. Knowing the intended audience helps gauge how effectively the author communicates their purpose but does not directly define it. Similarly, the historical context adds valuable background but does not specifically articulate why the author chose to write at that time or in that manner. Therefore, the answer correctly captures the essence of what an author's purpose truly is in the study of reading comprehension.