Why is understanding the author’s purpose important?

Understanding the author’s purpose is important because it clarifies the text’s effectiveness in conveying its intended message or achieving its goals. When readers grasp why an author wrote a piece—whether to inform, persuade, entertain, or express a point of view—they can better appreciate the techniques used to engage the audience. This understanding enables readers to analyze how successfully the author communicates their ideas, which can also influence their own interpretation of the text. By recognizing the purpose, readers can identify key themes and arguments, making the text's impact more resonant and meaningful.