Praxis Core Reading: Author’s Purpose and Tone Practice
Introduction
Praxis Core Reading questions often test whether you can understand why an author wrote a passage and how the author feels about the topic.
These questions may seem difficult at first, but you can solve many of them by paying attention to the author's main goal, word choice, evidence, and overall attitude.
In this lesson, you will learn how to identify:
- Author’s purpose
- Author’s tone
- The difference between purpose and tone
- Key clues in a passage
- A simple strategy for Praxis Core Reading questions
- Practice questions with answers and explanations
What Is Author’s Purpose?
Author’s purpose means the reason the author wrote the passage.
Most Praxis Core Reading passages have one or more of these purposes:
1. To Inform
The author provides facts, explanations, or information.
Common clues:
- Facts
- Statistics
- Definitions
- Explanations
- Historical information
Example:
A passage explains how public transportation systems reduce traffic in large American cities.
The author's purpose is likely to inform readers about the benefits of public transportation.
2. To Persuade
The author wants readers to accept an opinion, change their thinking, or take an action.
Common clues:
- Strong opinions
- Arguments
- Recommendations
- Claims supported by evidence
- Words such as should, must, or need to
Example:
A writer argues that schools should provide more career-training programs.
The purpose is likely to persuade readers that schools should expand career training.
3. To Entertain
The author mainly wants to engage or amuse the reader.
Common clues:
- Humor
- Interesting stories
- Personal experiences
- Dramatic situations
- Creative descriptions
4. To Explain
The author describes how or why something happens.
This purpose is common in informational passages.
For example, a passage explaining how a drought affects agricultural production may primarily be written to explain a process or cause-and-effect relationship.
What Is Author’s Tone?
Tone describes the author's attitude toward the subject.
Think of tone as the emotional or intellectual feeling behind the author's words.
Possible tones include:
- Positive
- Negative
- Concerned
- Critical
- Optimistic
- Skeptical
- Neutral
- Enthusiastic
- Serious
- Cautious
Quick Tip
Do not choose a tone simply because the topic sounds positive or negative.
Instead, look at the specific words the author uses.
Purpose vs. Tone
This distinction is important on Praxis Core Reading.
Purpose = Why did the author write the passage?
Tone = How does the author feel about the subject?
Example
Suppose an author writes about a new recycling program.
The author may want to inform readers about the program.
That is the purpose.
If the author describes the program as “a promising step toward reducing waste,” the tone may be optimistic.
A Simple 4-Step Strategy
Use this method when answering author’s-purpose or tone questions.
Step 1: Read for the Main Point
Ask:
What is this passage mainly about?
Do not focus on one sentence.
Step 2: Identify the Author’s Goal
Ask:
What does the author want the reader to understand, believe, or consider?
Step 3: Look at Word Choice
Look for words that reveal attitude.
Strong positive or negative language can help identify tone.
Step 4: Eliminate Extreme Answers
Be careful with choices containing words such as:
- completely
- always
- never
- extremely
- unquestionably
Unless the passage clearly supports that level of certainty, these choices are often incorrect.
Praxis Core Reading Practice Questions
Question 1
A passage describes how several U.S. cities have expanded bike lanes. It presents statistics about increased bicycle use and explains how protected bike lanes can improve transportation options.
What is the author's primary purpose?
A. To entertain readers with stories about cyclists
B. To inform readers about the development and benefits of bike lanes
C. To criticize people who drive cars
D. To persuade readers to purchase bicycles
Answer: B
Explanation
The passage provides information, statistics, and explanations. It does not primarily entertain or directly encourage readers to purchase bicycles.
Question 2
An author describes a new community program as “a promising effort that could give local residents greater access to educational resources.”
Which word best describes the author's tone?
A. Hostile
B. Optimistic
C. Angry
D. Sarcastic
Answer: B
Explanation
The phrase “promising effort” shows a positive and hopeful attitude. Therefore, the tone is optimistic.
Question 3
A writer argues that employers should provide flexible work schedules. The writer presents research about productivity and employee satisfaction to support this position.
What is the author's primary purpose?
A. To persuade readers that flexible schedules can benefit employees and employers
B. To entertain readers with workplace stories
C. To describe the history of office buildings
D. To explain how computers are manufactured
Answer: A
Explanation
The author presents an argument and uses evidence to support a recommendation. This indicates a persuasive purpose.
Question 4
A passage explains how a city redesigned its water system after experiencing several years of drought. The author describes the changes in chronological order and explains why each change was necessary.
What is the author's primary purpose?
A. To criticize city officials
B. To entertain readers with a dramatic story
C. To explain how and why the water system was redesigned
D. To persuade readers to move to another city
Answer: C
Explanation
The passage focuses on explaining the changes and the reasons behind them. The primary purpose is to explain.
Question 5
An author discusses a proposed policy but repeatedly uses phrases such as “may,” “could,” and “additional evidence is needed.”
Which tone is most appropriate?
A. Cautious
B. Enthusiastic
C. Furious
D. Humorous
Answer: A
Explanation
Words such as “may,” “could,” and “additional evidence is needed” indicate that the author is careful about making a definite judgment. The tone is cautious.
Quick Praxis Core Reading Review
Before answering an author’s-purpose question, ask:
Why did the author write this?
Before answering a tone question, ask:
What attitude does the author show?
Remember:
Purpose = WHY
Tone = ATTITUDE
Fast Exam Strategy
If the passage contains mostly:
Facts + explanations → Inform
Arguments + recommendations → Persuade
Process + causes → Explain
Humor + storytelling → Entertain
For tone, focus on the author's word choice, not just the subject.
Final Takeaway
Author’s-purpose and tone questions become easier when you separate the two concepts.
The purpose tells you what the author is trying to accomplish.
The tone tells you the author's attitude toward the subject.
On the Praxis Core Reading test, always return to the passage and look for evidence before selecting an answer.
Practice Challenge
Read a short informational article today and answer these two questions:
- Why did the author write it?
- What attitude does the author show?
This simple habit can improve your ability to recognize purpose and tone under test conditions.
Disclaimer
This educational article is designed for Praxis Core Reading preparation and general study purposes. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS.
Next Lesson: Praxis Core Reading — Vocabulary in Context
टिप्पणियाँ
एक टिप्पणी भेजें