Purpose
and Tone
Purpose:
Author's reason for writing
"What
did the author do to or for me, the reader?"
to inform: to give
reader factual information
-
objective
-
explains, describes,
enlightens
-
uses statistics, specific
examples, dates, figures, facts
-
shares opinions of
experts, not the author
-
uses denotative language
to persuade: to
convince reader of author's point of view
-
subjective
-
argues, condemns, ridicules
-
calls for action, tells
consequences of lack of action
-
reveals author's point
of view
-
uses connotative language
to entertain: to
appeal to reader's senses/imagination
-
subjective
-
narrates, describes,
shocks
Tone:
Author's attitude toward a topic expressed through connotative language
and selection of details and allusions:
How
does the author feel about the topic?
| straightforward |
playful |
angry |
| matter-of-fact |
ironic |
impassioned |
| formal |
irreverent |
forceful |
| serious |
cynical |
critical |
