Author's Purpose and Tone Flashcards
7 cards from real RLA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Author's Purpose and Tone flashcards as text
A news article reports: 'The city council voted 7-2 to approve the new zoning ordinance, which will allow mixed-use development in the downtown corridor.' What is the author's primary purpose?
Answer: To inform readers about the outcome of the vote
The passage objectively reports facts about a vote without opinion or entertainment elements, indicating an informative purpose.
Which word in a passage most strongly signals a critical or disapproving tone?
Answer: blundered
'Blundered' implies a mistake was made carelessly, conveying clear disapproval, while the other words are more neutral.
An author writes a children's book about a clumsy dragon who accidentally bakes cookies with his fire breath. The author's purpose is most likely to:
Answer: Entertain young readers with a humorous story
The playful, humorous scenario of a clumsy dragon baking cookies is designed primarily to entertain young readers.
A passage states: 'Studies show that students who read for pleasure score an average of 15% higher on standardized tests. Parents should encourage daily reading at home.' What shift in purpose occurs between these two sentences?
Answer: From informing to persuading
The first sentence presents data (informing), while the second makes a recommendation (persuading), showing a clear shift in purpose.
The phrase 'it is worth noting that' most commonly signals what type of authorial tone?
Answer: Objective and analytical
'It is worth noting that' is a neutral, formal phrase used to draw attention to a point without emotional coloring, indicating an objective tone.
An op-ed headline reads: 'Why Our Schools Are Failing Our Children—And What We Must Do About It.' Based on the headline alone, the author's purpose is most likely to:
Answer: Persuade readers that a problem exists and action is needed
The word 'failing' signals a critical stance and 'must do' signals a call to action, both indicators of persuasive intent.
A travel writer describes a market as 'a labyrinth of color and noise, where the smell of spices hangs like a dream.' This language suggests a tone that is:
Answer: Vivid and enthusiastic
The rich sensory imagery and poetic comparisons ('hangs like a dream') convey the author's enthusiasm and appreciation for the scene.