RLA Author's Purpose and Tone 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- To persuade readers to support the ordinance
- To inform readers about the outcome of the vote (Correct answer)
- To entertain readers with a story about city politics
- To express the author's frustration with zoning laws
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which word in a passage most strongly signals a critical or disapproving tone?
- reported
- suggested
- claimed
- blundered (Correct answer)
Correct answer: blundered
'Blundered' implies a mistake was made carelessly, conveying clear disapproval, while the other words are more neutral.
Question 3: 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:
- Warn children about the dangers of fire
- Persuade children to eat healthy foods
- Entertain young readers with a humorous story (Correct answer)
- Inform children about how dragons live
Correct 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.
Question 4: 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?
- From entertaining to informing
- From informing to persuading (Correct answer)
- From persuading to entertaining
- From describing to narrating
Correct answer: From informing to persuading
The first sentence presents data (informing), while the second makes a recommendation (persuading), showing a clear shift in purpose.
Question 5: The phrase 'it is worth noting that' most commonly signals what type of authorial tone?
- Sarcastic and dismissive
- Objective and analytical (Correct answer)
- Passionate and urgent
- Mournful and reflective
Correct 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.
Question 6: 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:
- Present balanced research on education outcomes
- Entertain readers with school anecdotes
- Persuade readers that a problem exists and action is needed (Correct answer)
- Provide a neutral overview of education policy
Correct 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.
Question 7: 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:
- Critical and skeptical
- Nostalgic and sorrowful
- Vivid and enthusiastic (Correct answer)
- Dry and informational
Correct 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.
RLA Author's Purpose and Tone 2
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?