The author of an autobiography may have more than one purpose for writing, but you can determine the author’s main purpose. Match each excerpt from an autobiography with the author’s main purpose for writing.


I had to admit that I was the one who
stole the cookie from the cookie jar. With
the smells wafting through the house and
no one around, I just couldn’t help myself.
As I walked onto the stage, I thought
about my high school teacher Mr. Shiver.
If he hadn’t encouraged me to push
myself, I wouldn’t be here now.
I underwent nine surgeries to fix my cleft
palate before my
birthday. I dealt with a lot of people staring at
my face, wishing they would just ask
me what was wrong.

Sometimes things don’t go your way,
but I learned through this experience
that my happiness shouldn’t depend
on other people’s actions.
The purpose is to give an important
personal statement about life.
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The purpose is to express gratitude for
someone who influenced the author’s life.
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The purpose is to justify controversial
actions or behaviors.
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The purpose is to share unusual life
circumstances with the world.
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