What term describes the author's intent to inform, entertain, or persuade an audience?

The correct answer is the term "Author’s Purpose," which refers to the reason an author has for writing a text. It encapsulates the specific intent behind the piece, whether it is to inform the audience about a particular subject, entertain them with a story or creative content, or persuade them to adopt a certain viewpoint or take action on an issue. Understanding the author’s purpose is crucial for interpreting the text accurately because it shapes the content, tone, and structure of the work.

In contrast, "Message" refers to the underlying meaning or main idea of the text, which is often a result of the author's purpose but does not directly define the intent itself. "Theme" represents the central topic or underlying concept explored in the text, similar to the message but focusing more on the broader implications rather than the author’s motives. "Style" pertains to the author's unique manner of expression, including word choice, sentence structure, and rhetorical devices, which can all be influenced by the purpose but are distinct elements of writing. Understanding the author’s purpose gives readers insight into why a text was created and what effect the author hopes to achieve with it.