* Authorial intent: This refers to the author's purpose or goal in writing the piece. It could be to inform, entertain, persuade, or provoke thought.
* Message: This is the central idea or point the writer wants the reader to understand. It's often explicitly stated, but can also be implied through the story or argument presented.
* Theme: A recurring idea or concept that underlies the entire work. Themes can be complex and open to interpretation.
* Thesis statement: This is a statement that summarizes the main argument of a non-fiction piece. It tells the reader what the writer is trying to prove or argue.
* Reader response: This approach focuses on how the reader interprets and experiences the text, rather than just the author's intent.
Ultimately, the best way to understand what a writer is trying to get you to think is to carefully analyze the text and consider the following:
* What are the key ideas presented?
* What evidence or arguments are used to support these ideas?
* What are the writer's assumptions?
* How does the writer use language and style to convey their message?
By engaging with the text in this way, you can gain a deeper understanding of the writer's intentions and the message they are trying to convey.