Understanding Tone and Author’s Purpose for SAT Reading
Introduction
The tone and author’s purpose questions in the SAT Reading section test your ability to understand how an author communicates ideas and attitudes. These questions require you to read between the lines and interpret subtle clues within the passage.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to identify tone and author’s purpose.
- Common SAT question types and strategies.
- Practice examples with solutions.
What is Tone and Why Does It Matter?
Tone refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject or audience. Common tones include:
- Positive: enthusiastic, hopeful, optimistic.
- Negative: critical, sarcastic, pessimistic.
- Neutral: informative, objective, analytical.
Clue: Look for adjectives, descriptive words, and overall context to determine tone.
Understanding Author’s Purpose
The author’s purpose answers why the passage was written. Common purposes include:
- To inform: Present facts, explain a topic.
- To persuade: Argue a point, convince the reader.
- To entertain: Tell a story or evoke emotions.
Example Question:
“What is the author’s primary purpose in this passage?”
Correct Answer: Look for repeated themes or arguments to identify the purpose.
Strategies to Identify Tone and Purpose
Step 1: Focus on Word Choice
Words like “vital,” “unfortunate,” or “groundbreaking” reveal the tone.
Step 2: Identify Key Sentences
- Introduction and conclusion sentences often reveal the author’s purpose.
Step 3: Check Context and Repetition
- If the author repeats arguments or examples, they emphasize their purpose.
Practice Question for Tone
Passage Excerpt:
“While renewable energy has seen advancements, critics argue that its high costs remain a barrier for widespread adoption.”
Question:
What is the tone of the passage?
A. Optimistic
B. Neutral
C. Critical
Solution:
The author presents both sides (advancements and challenges), so the tone is neutral (B).
Practice Question for Author’s Purpose
Passage Summary:
An article discussing the benefits of exercise for mental health.
Question:
What is the author’s main purpose?
A. To argue that exercise is unnecessary.
B. To explain how exercise improves mental health.
C. To entertain readers with fitness stories.
Solution:
The correct answer is B, as the passage focuses on explaining the benefits.
Tips to Master Tone and Purpose Questions
- Annotate While Reading: Mark words or sentences that indicate tone.
- Eliminate Extreme Answers: SAT tone is often subtle, not overly positive or negative.
- Focus on the Big Picture: Don’t get lost in small details; focus on the passage’s overall purpose.
Summary
Mastering tone and author’s purpose requires careful attention to word choice, structure, and context. By applying these strategies and practising consistently, you can answer these questions accurately and improve your SAT Reading score.
📅 Book Your Free SAT Reading Consultation Today!
Skinat Tuition | Where Expert Tutoring Meets Proven Results.