Identify Authors’ Purpose

Discuss with your group how to answer the following questions about the authors’ purpose. Read the following passage from the story.

Sundiata Keita is the King Arthur and George Washington of Mali…However, Arthur is a mythical king; there is no evidence that he ever lived. There are many legends about Washington, but he was definitely a real person. Sundiata’s story is full of legend, but he, too, really lived. Like Washington, he is honored as a great man, the founder of his nation. As we learn more about him, we will be able to see him as a person with good and bad sides. Sundiata should be seen as a three-dimensional man of his time and not just a mythic figure.

1. What might the authors’ purpose be in comparing Sundiata to King Arthur and George Washington?
a. to illustrate that heroes all over the world are the same
b. to convince readers that Sundiata is better than other heroes
c. to help readers understand Sundiata’s status in Africa by providing familiar comparisons
d. to entertain readers with stories they already enjoy
a. b. c. d.

What is the correct answer to the question above? How were you able to eliminate other answers? How did your application of the reading strategy help you answer the question?

2. What might the authors’ purpose be in addressing the reader directly at the end of this passage?
a. to persuade readers to believe only the facts about Sundiata and to disregard any legends
b. to explain that they will present an objective view of Sundiata and that readers should remain objective while reading
c. to persuade readers that Sundiata was better than King Arthur and George Washington because Sundiata was both real and legendary
d. to challenge readers by distracting them from the main narrative of the story
a. b. c. d.

What is the correct answer to the question above? How were you able to eliminate other answers? How did your application of the reading strategy help you answer the question?