Identifying Author's Purpose and Tone
Identify whether this writing purpose is primarily to inform, persuade, or entertain:
A book review recommending or critiquing a recent novel.
To persuade.
What is the central idea or message of the text?
"Jordan had always put off studying until the night before a test, convincing himself he worked best under pressure. But after failing his last exam, he decided to try something different. He created a study schedule, reviewed his notes a little each day, and asked questions in class. When his next test came back with a much higher grade, he realized that consistent effort made a big difference."
Consistent effort and good study habits lead to better results than procrastination.
What makes a piece of textual evidence "strong" for supporting a claim? List TWO (2) qualities.
(1) Relevant
(2) Specific
(3) Credible
(4) Accurate
Define the word "melancholy" using context-clue strategies.
"After the long summer ended and her friends moved away, she sat by the window in a quiet melancholy, staring at the empty playground."
Melancholy means a feeling of deep, pensive, and often prolonged sadness or gloominess.
Context clues: "summer ended", "her friends moved away", "empty playground"
Rewrite this sentence to include correct comma usage.
"Scientists study stars galaxies and other objects in space."
"Scientists study stars, galaxies, and other objects in space."
Read the following passage and identify the author's purpose.
"Every year, tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, harming marine life and polluting beaches. Simple changes, like using reusable bags and bottles, can make a big difference. By making more environmentally friendly choices, we can help protect our planet for future generations."
To persuade, because the author is encouraging readers to change their behavior and take action.
What is ONE (1) change that could improve the clarity or effectiveness of the writing?
"There are many things that students can do to be better at school, and some of them are helpful while others are not as helpful, but it depends on the student and what they think is good for them, which can make it confusing to know what to do sometimes."
(1) Breaking the long sentence into shorter sentences.
(2) Using more specific details.
Is the evidence in the following passage relevant and sufficient to support the main idea? Why or why not?
"School uniforms should be required because they can help students focus more on learning instead of what they are wearing. A survey at one school showed that 70% of students felt less distracted by clothing choices when wearing uniforms. Teachers also reported fewer dress code violations, which allowed more time for instruction."
Yes.
(1) The survey data directly supports the idea that uniforms reduce distractions.
(2) The teacher observations show a practical benefit in the classroom.
Read this line: "He tucked the letter into his pocket without opening it." What can you infer about the character's feelings? Explain your answer.
The character may be anxious, afraid, or unwilling to face what the letter says.
Avoiding opening the letter suggests he might be worried about its contents or not emotionally ready to deal with it.
Which TWO (2) words are misspelled in the following passage?
"The students were excited to visit the musuem on their field trip. They had been studing ancient history and couldn’t wait to see the artifacts in person."
(1) "musuem" instead of "museum"
(2) "studing" instead of "studying"
What is the author’s main purpose in writing the following passage—to inform, persuade, or entertain—and what details support your answer?
"Many students struggle to stay focused during long homework sessions. Taking short breaks, staying organized, and working in a quiet space can help improve concentration. These simple strategies can make studying more effective and less stressful."
To inform, because the passage provides helpful tips and explains ways to improve focus.
It's too broad.
A better, more specific research question would be "What are the main causes of climate change since 2000?"
From the passage, identify ONE (1) sentence that best supports the main idea and explain why it's the best choice.
"The school library had been nearly empty for years, but everything changed when new books and comfortable seating were added. Students who once avoided the space began stopping by after school to read or study. Some even started a weekly book club, inviting others to join. The library quickly became one of the most popular places on campus."
Best supporting sentence: "The library quickly became one of the most popular places on campus."
Explanation: This sentence is the best choice because it clearly sums up and directly supports the main idea that the library became widely used and valued by students.
Given this sentence: "The arboreal creature leapt easily from branch to branch, rarely touching the forest floor," infer the meaning of "arboreal" and justify with context clues.
Arboreal is an adjective used to describe animals, plants, or objects that live in, inhabit, or relate to trees.
Context clues: "leapt easily from branch to branch", "rarely touching the forest floor"
Which sentence uses correct parallel structure? Explain how you know.
A. She enjoys reading books, to swim in the ocean, and biking on trails.
B. She enjoys reading books, swimming in the ocean, and biking on trails.
C. She enjoys to read books, swimming in the ocean, and to bike on trails.
B is correct because all items in the list use the same -ing verb form ("reading," "swimming," and "biking").
What is the author’s tone in the following passage, and which words or phrases help you determine that tone?
"I can’t believe we have another test tomorrow. As if the last three weren’t enough this week! I guess I’ll be up all night studying again—how exciting."
The author’s tone is sarcastic and frustrated. Phrases like “As if the last three weren’t enough” and “how exciting” (used sarcastically) show annoyance and not genuine enthusiasm.
Marcus is writing a report for his health class. This paragraph from the report contains language that is not appropriate for the audience or the task. Read the paragraph and select THREE (3) words or phrases that are too vague or informal for a health report.
"Regular exercise plays an important role in maintaining physical health. Many people think working out is no big deal, but that attitude can lead to serious health problems. Exercise helps the body stay strong and improves mood and energy levels. A recent study found that people who exercised three times a week felt a lot better overall. These results show that exercise can have a positive impact on long-term health."
(1) "working out"
(2) "no big deal"
(3) "a lot better"
Which TWO (2) types of evidence (facts, statistics, quotes, anecdotes) are used in the following passage, and how effective are they?
"According to a recent study, students who get at least eight hours of sleep score 15% higher on average on tests than those who do not. One student shared, “When I started going to bed earlier, I noticed I could focus much better in class.” These findings show the importance of healthy sleep habits for academic success."
(1) Statistics (“score 15% higher”)
(2) A personal anecdote/quote (“When I started going to bed earlier…”).
This combination is effective because the statistic provides strong, factual support, while the anecdote makes the information more relatable and easier for readers to connect with.
Given the short dialogue below, list TWO (2) inferences you can make about the speakers' relationship and cite the dialogue lines that support each inference.
"I thought you said you’d be home by six," Maria said, glancing at the clock.
"I got held up at work. Again," James replied, dropping his keys on the table.
Maria crossed her arms. "You’ve been 'held up' every night this week."
James sighed. "I’m trying to fix things, okay?"
"Then talk to me," she said more softly. "Don't just disappear."
(1) They are in a close personal relationship, likely partners or spouses ("Then talk to me" and the emotional tone suggest familiarity and intimacy.)
(2) There is tension or conflict between them ("You’ve been 'held up' every night this week" shows frustration and suspicion.)
(3) James may be stressed or overwhelmed by work or another issue ("I got held up at work. Again" and "I’m trying to fix things" suggest ongoing pressure.)
(4) Maria feels neglected or wants more communication ("Then talk to me… Don't just disappear" shows a desire for openness and connection.)
(5) They are still trying to work through their problems (Maria softens her tone and James says, "I’m trying to fix things," indicating effort rather than giving up.)
Find and correct the fragment in this set of sentences.
"The team practiced hard for the championship game. Running drills late into the evening. They were determined to win."
Fragment: "Running drills late into the evening." It is incomplete because it lacks a subject.
Corrected version: "The team practiced hard for the championship game, running drills late into the evening. They were determined to win."
Which specific words and phrases reveal the author’s tone, and what is that tone?
"The old house creaked with every step, its peeling paint and broken shutters giving it a tired, forgotten look. A cold draft slipped through the cracked windows, and the dim light made everything seem dull and lifeless."
The author’s tone is eerie and gloomy. Words and phrases like “creaked,” “peeling paint,” “broken shutters,” “cold draft,” and “dim light” create a dark, unsettling feeling that reveals the tone.
Maya is writing an informational essay for her social studies class. Which TWO (2) details are unnecessary and should be removed from the paragraph?
"The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built to protect ancient Chinese states from invasions. Construction of the wall began over 2,000 years ago, during a time when people traveled mostly on foot or by horse. The wall stretches for thousands of miles across northern China and includes watchtowers, walls, and natural barriers. Many tourists visit the Great Wall each year, and some say it is the best place to take selfies. The Great Wall was built using materials such as stone, brick, and packed earth, depending on the region. Today, it is recognized as one of the most impressive architectural achievements in history."
(1) "during a time when people traveled mostly on foot or by horse"
(2) "Many tourists visit the Great Wall each year, and some say it is the best place to take selfies."
What THREE (3) details in the following passage best support the author’s purpose?
"Drinking enough water each day is essential for staying healthy. It helps your body regulate temperature, keeps your joints moving smoothly, and improves focus throughout the day. Experts recommend carrying a reusable water bottle to remind yourself to drink regularly."
(1) "helps your body regulate temperature"
(2) "keeps your joints moving smoothly"
(3) "improves focus"
These details support the author’s purpose by providing specific benefits of drinking water, helping to inform the reader.
Read the following passage. What larger situation can you infer about the household? Give TWO (2) possible inferences and the textual clues for each.
"The kitchen felt heavier than it should, like the air itself knew something was wrong. A stack of unpaid bills sat in the center of the table, their envelopes bent and stamped with urgent red warnings. Beside them, a single chair was pulled out, as if someone had meant to sit down and deal with it all but never did. I opened the fridge, and the weak bulb flickered over empty shelves, casting a dull glow on nothing but a half-used bottle of water. The quiet in the room wasn’t peaceful—it was the kind that settles in when things have been left undone for far too long."
(1) The household is experiencing financial trouble ("a stack of unpaid bills…stamped with urgent red warnings")
(2) The space may be neglected or under stress ("the kitchen felt heavier than it should" and "things have been left undone for far too long")
(3) There may be food insecurity or lack of resources ("empty shelves" and only "a half-used bottle of water" in the fridge)
(4) Someone may be overwhelmed or avoiding responsibilities ("a chair was pulled out, as if someone had meant to…deal with it all but never did")
(5) The household could be experiencing emotional strain or hardship ("the quiet…wasn’t peaceful—it was the kind that settles in when things have been left undone")
Rewrite this run-on sentence in THREE (3) different ways to include correct punctuation.
"She wanted to study for the exam she stayed up late reading notes."
(1) Two separate sentences: "She wanted to study for the exam. She stayed up late reading notes."
(2) Comma with conjunction: "She wanted to study for the exam, so she stayed up late reading notes."
(3) Semicolon: "She wanted to study for the exam; she stayed up late reading notes."