Da VIP Academy / GED / RLA / Reading Informational Text
Author's Purpose & Tone
Determine why an author wrote a text and how word choice shapes tone.
How it works
Purpose: inform, persuade, or entertain
Look at what the text asks of you. Statistics and neutral wording inform; loaded words and calls to action persuade; imagery and story entertain.
Tone lives in word choice
'Glittered' and 'stranger' create a reflective, honest tone; 'must,' 'outrageous,' or 'demand' create an urgent one.
Worked examples
Identify the purpose of a letter that lists costs and urges a vote.
- Notice the request for action.
- Notice the supporting figures.
- Purpose: persuade using evidence.
Words to know
- Tone
- The author's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice.
Test-day tips
- • Persuasive texts usually name an opposing view so they can answer it.