Praxis Core Reading 2026 Day 10: Author’s Purpose and Tone | Complete Study Guide
When you read a passage for the Praxis Core Reading test, understanding the main idea is important—but it is not always enough.
Many questions ask you to identify:
Why the author wrote the passage
What the author wants the reader to understand
How the author feels about the topic
Whether the author's attitude is positive, negative, or neutral
These questions test your understanding of Author’s Purpose and Author’s Tone.
In this lesson, you will learn how to identify both concepts and answer Praxis Core Reading questions more confidently.
What Is Author’s Purpose?
Author’s purpose means the reason why the author wrote a passage.
A simple question can help you identify the purpose:
Why did the author write this passage?
The most common purposes include:
To inform
To persuade
To entertain
To explain
To compare
To criticize
1. To Inform
An author writes to inform when the main goal is to provide facts, information, or knowledge.
Example:
A passage explains how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.
The author’s purpose is:
To inform readers about how solar panels work.
Look for:
Facts
Statistics
Explanations
Research
Objective information
2. To Persuade
An author writes to persuade when the goal is to convince readers to accept an opinion or take action.
Example:
A writer argues that every school should provide free breakfast to students.
The author’s purpose is:
To persuade readers to support free school breakfast programs.
Look for:
Opinions
Arguments
Reasons
Recommendations
Calls to action
3. To Entertain
An author writes to entertain when the main goal is to engage or amuse the reader.
This is common in:
Stories
Humorous passages
Personal experiences
Fiction
Example:
A funny story describes a student accidentally entering the wrong classroom.
The purpose may be:
To entertain the reader.
4. To Explain
Sometimes the author wants to explain how something works or why something happens.
Example:
A passage explains how a volcano erupts.
The purpose is:
To explain a natural process.
5. To Compare
An author may write to compare two ideas, objects, systems, or opinions.
Example:
A passage compares online learning with traditional classroom learning.
The purpose may be:
To compare two methods of education.
6. To Criticize
An author may write to point out problems or weaknesses in an idea, policy, or situation.
Example:
A writer discusses the weaknesses of a city’s public transportation system.
The purpose may be:
To criticize the current transportation system.
What Is Author’s Tone?
Tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject.
A simple question can help:
How does the author feel about the topic?
Tone is often revealed through the author's word choice.
Positive Tone
A positive tone shows approval, hope, excitement, or appreciation.
Common words include:
Successful
Beneficial
Inspiring
Remarkable
Excellent
Hopeful
Impressive
Example:
“The new program has produced remarkable results and helped thousands of students.”
The tone is likely:
Positive or optimistic.
Negative Tone
A negative tone shows criticism, disappointment, anger, or concern.
Common words include:
Harmful
Dangerous
Disappointing
Serious problem
Failure
Unfortunate
Concerning
Example:
“The program failed to solve the problem and created several new challenges.”
The tone may be:
Negative or critical.
Neutral Tone
A neutral tone is objective and factual.
The author does not strongly express emotions or personal opinions.
Common characteristics include:
Facts
Research
Statistics
Objective explanations
Formal language
Example:
“According to the report, the program began in 2018 and served more than 10,000 students.”
The tone is likely:
Objective or neutral.
Purpose vs. Tone
This is one of the most important concepts for the Praxis Core Reading test.
Purpose asks:
Why did the author write the passage?
Tone asks:
How does the author feel about the subject?
Example:
An author writes about the benefits of exercise.
Purpose: To inform readers about the benefits of exercise.
Tone: Positive.
The purpose and tone are different.
How to Identify Author’s Purpose
Use this simple four-step strategy.
Step 1: Identify the Main Idea
First, understand what the passage is mainly about.
Step 2: Ask What the Author Is Doing
Is the author:
Giving information?
Making an argument?
Telling a story?
Explaining a process?
Comparing two ideas?
Step 3: Look for Key Words
Pay attention to words that show:
Opinions
Emotions
Criticism
Approval
Step 4: Choose the Answer Supported by the Passage
Do not choose an answer simply because it sounds reasonable.
The correct answer must be supported by the passage.
Common Praxis Core Reading Traps
Trap 1: Confusing Topic with Purpose
Topic:
School uniforms
This is not the author's purpose.
Purpose:
To argue that school uniforms improve student discipline.
The topic tells you what the passage is about.
The purpose tells you why the author wrote it.
Trap 2: Choosing Your Personal Opinion
You may agree or disagree with the author.
But your personal opinion does not determine the correct answer.
Always focus on the evidence in the passage.
Trap 3: Choosing an Extreme Answer
Be careful with words such as:
Always
Never
Everyone
Completely
Impossible
Unless the passage strongly supports an extreme statement, these answers may be incorrect.
Praxis Core Reading Practice Questions
Question 1
A passage explains how recycling reduces waste and helps conserve natural resources.
What is the author’s primary purpose?
A. To entertain readers
B. To inform readers
C. To criticize recycling
D. To tell a personal story
Correct Answer: B. To inform readers
Explanation:
The passage provides information about recycling and its benefits. Therefore, the purpose is to inform.
Question 2
A writer argues that schools should provide more outdoor learning opportunities for students.
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To persuade
B. To entertain
C. To describe a vacation
D. To present unrelated facts
Correct Answer: A. To persuade
Explanation:
The writer is presenting an argument and trying to convince readers. Therefore, the purpose is to persuade.
Question 3
A passage describes a new educational program using facts, statistics, and research without expressing personal opinions.
What is the tone?
A. Angry
B. Humorous
C. Objective
D. Sarcastic
Correct Answer: C. Objective
Explanation:
The passage uses factual and neutral language. Therefore, the tone is objective.
Question 4
A writer describes a community project as “remarkable,” “successful,” and “inspiring.”
What is the likely tone?
A. Positive
B. Negative
C. Angry
D. Uncertain
Correct Answer: A. Positive
Explanation:
Words such as “remarkable,” “successful,” and “inspiring” show approval and positive feelings.
Question 5
A passage describes the harmful effects of pollution and warns that immediate action is necessary.
What is the likely tone?
A. Concerned
B. Humorous
C. Celebratory
D. Relaxed
Correct Answer: A. Concerned
Explanation:
The author discusses harmful effects and warns about the problem. This creates a concerned tone.
Quick Praxis Strategy
When you see a question asking:
“What is the author’s purpose?”
Ask:
What is the author trying to do?
When you see a question asking:
“What is the author’s tone?”
Ask:
How does the author feel about the topic?
This simple distinction can help you answer many difficult Praxis Core Reading questions.
Final Review
Remember:
Purpose = Why the author writes
Tone = How the author feels
The best way to improve is to practice reading passages and asking these two questions every time.
Do not rely on your personal opinion.
Use:
The main idea
The author’s word choice
The evidence
The overall message
With consistent practice, Author’s Purpose and Tone questions can become much easier on the Praxis Core Reading test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Author’s Purpose?
Author’s Purpose is the reason why an author writes a passage.
What is Author’s Tone?
Author’s Tone is the author’s attitude or feeling toward the subject.
What are the most common purposes?
The most common purposes are to inform, persuade, entertain, explain, compare, and criticize.
How do I identify tone?
Look at the author’s word choice and attitude. Words can reveal whether the tone is positive, negative, concerned, critical, or neutral.
Should I use my personal opinion?
No. Always choose the answer supported by evidence from the passage.
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