Introduction to Purpose and Tone

1. Purpose & Tone
Chapter 8

2. Purpose
the author’s reason for writing

3. Purpose
Inform – to give information

4. Purpose
Inform – to give information
Persuade – to convince the reader
to agree [should / should not]

5. Purpose
Inform – to give information
Persuade – to convince the reader
to agree
Entertain – to amuse and delight;
to appeal to the reader’s
senses and imagination
[should / should not]

6. What is the author’s purpose?
 Nowadays about half of U.S. marriages end in
divorce.

7. What is the author’s purpose?
 Nowadays about half of U.S. marriages end in
divorce.

8. What is the author’s purpose?
 I read the obituaries every morning; if I don’t
find my name, I get dressed and go to work.

9. What is the author’s purpose?
 I read the obituaries every morning; if I don’t
find my name, I get dressed and go to work.

10. What is the author’s purpose?
 Television networks should reduce the number
of commercials shown during children’s
programs.

11. What is the author’s purpose?
 Television networks should reduce the number
of commercials shown during children’s
programs.

12. Tone
Reveals the author’s attitude toward a
subject
Not your reaction to the subject!
Think back to Inferences! Read between the
lines!

13. Sample Tones:
The following examples are one-
sentence replies crafted using a
particular tone. Each reply is based on
the same scenario:
You receive a pair of socks as a special
gift from your significant other.

14. “Oh, my goodness!” I squealed.
“I’ve been waiting for months
for elephant socks!”

15. Tone = Joyous
“Oh, my goodness!” I squealed.
“I’ve been waiting for months
for elephant socks!”

16. “What a great gift. My feet will
be so warm in these.”

17. Tone = Grateful
“What a great gift. My feet will
be so warm in these.”

18. “This might be the most
intimate gift I have ever
received. How will I ever repay
you?”

19. Tone = Ironic / Sarcastic
“This might be the most
intimate gift I have ever
received. How will I ever repay
you?”

20. I held my breath as I pulled out
the thick wool socks and smiled as
I spotted the tiny elephants
dancing all around. “Whenever I
wear these I will think of Nana and
the adventures we had when I was
young. Thank you so much.”

21. Tone = Nostalgic
I held my breath as I pulled out
the thick wool socks and smiled as
I spotted the tiny elephants
dancing all around. “Whenever I
wear these I will think of Nana and
the adventures we had when I was
young. Thank you so much.”