If an author uses humor in writing, what is typically their main goal?

Using humor in writing often serves to engage the reader effectively. Humor can create a more enjoyable reading experience, allowing the audience to connect with the material on a personal level. This connection can foster a sense of relatability and make complex or difficult subjects more approachable. When an author integrates humor, they can draw the reader's attention and make the text more memorable, as well as enhance the overall tone of the piece.

While the other options may represent possible aims of writing, they don't capture the primary purpose of humor as effectively as promoting engagement does. Providing accurate data is more associated with informational writing, persuasion aligns with argumentative formats, and social critique generally demands a serious tone. Humor, therefore, serves primarily to involve and entertain the reader while still conveying deeper meanings or themes.