(1) Nonfiction Lesson 7 Look Out for Turtles! By
Melvin Burger
(2) Nonfiction Lesson 7
When we read a nonfiction text we must think
along with what we already know about the
about why the writer has written the text or
topic, to draw a conclusion infer the deeper
what his or her purpose was for writing it. Some
meaning or the writer’s message. Sometimes
writers write nonfiction to entertain their
writers include more information at the end of
readers. Other times they write their nonfiction
the text to provide readers with additional facts
to persuade their readers. Lastly, their
about the topic. So, whenever we are trying to
purpose may be to inform or teach. When we
identify the author’s point of view or purpose,
figure out why a writer wrote his or her text, it
we must use all of the information in the text to
helps us not only to understand the writer’s
support our ideas.
As we read a text, we need to look for clues,
information more deeply, but also understand
different points of view about various topics.
(3) Nonfiction Lesson 7
(4) Nonfiction Lesson 7
Let’s read part of Look Out for Turtles! Again
Read aloud pp. 26-32. Stop after p. 27.
and see if we can determine his purpose(s) for
writing this book and how he feels about his
subject.
As I read the last few pages of Look Out for
Turtles! I want you to listen closely to the words
to think about why he may have written this
The author includes a list of facts to really give
us lots of information about these creatures.
Why would he do this? To entertain, persuade,
or teach us? Melvin lists these facts to teach
or inform us about how turtles can survive in the
wild. What are some of the things they do to
book. Was he trying to entertain us, to
protect themselves?
persuade us, or to teach us about turtles?
Also students to review the facts on this page.
Perhaps it was a mix of all three. Let’s find out!
Let’s keep reading to see if Melvin had another
purpose for writing this book.
(5) Nonfiction Lesson 7
(6) Nonfiction Lesson 7
Read the next two pages.
Even his extra facts at the end of the text
help persuade the readers to help turtles
The author really includes many facts and
pieces of information that appeal to the
readers’ feelings in order to persuade us to
take action.
Now I am thinking that the author did have
another purpose for writing this book.
What else was the author trying to do with
these last few pages where he discusses the
extinction of turtles and how we can help
save them?
Students should recognize that he is trying to persuade
us to care for turtles and do things to keep them safe
and protected.
The author has two purposes in his book that are
all supported by his words and illustrations.
Using all you know about the purpose, how do
you think the author feels about turtles? What is
his point of view? Positive? Negative?
Share your thoughts with your partner.
Make sure you use information from the
text to back up your thinking.