Decoding Attitude and Intent

The author’s tone reflects their attitude toward the subject, ranging from enthusiastic to skeptical. The purpose reveals why the passage was written—to inform, persuade, criticize, or entertain.

Tips for Interpretation

• Look for descriptive language: Words like “surprisingly” or “unfortunately” reveal tone.
• Check the verbs: Words like “argues,” “claims,” or “suggests” indicate purpose.
• Context clues: Is the author providing facts or opinions? Is there a call to action?

Real-World Application

Understanding tone and purpose is crucial for interpreting news, scientific articles, or even patient narratives, where subtle cues can change meaning.