Analyzing Tone and Purpose in Verbal Reasoning
In standardized tests like the GRE, understanding the author's tone and purpose is crucial for accurately interpreting passages. This skill allows you to move beyond simply understanding the words on the page to grasping the author's underlying message, attitude, and intent.
What is Tone?
Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject matter and the audience. It's conveyed through word choice (diction), sentence structure (syntax), imagery, and punctuation. Think of it as the 'voice' of the author.
Common Tone Descriptors
| Tone | Description | Keywords/Phrases |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Impersonal, factual, unbiased. | States facts, avoids personal opinions, uses neutral language. |
| Subjective | Personal, opinionated, biased. | Expresses feelings, beliefs, uses loaded language. |
| Formal | Serious, academic, professional. | Complex vocabulary, complete sentences, avoids contractions. |
| Informal | Casual, conversational, relaxed. | Simpler vocabulary, contractions, may use slang. |
| Critical | Expressing disapproval or finding fault. | Negative adjectives, words like 'flawed,' 'problematic,' 'inadequate.' |
| Appreciative | Expressing admiration or approval. | Positive adjectives, words like 'excellent,' 'valuable,' 'insightful.' |
| Sarcastic | Using irony to mock or convey contempt. | Saying the opposite of what is meant, often with a biting edge. |
| Humorous | Intended to amuse. | Jokes, witty remarks, lighthearted observations. |
What is Purpose?
The author's purpose is the reason why they wrote the passage. What do they want the reader to know, believe, or do after reading it? Common purposes include to inform, to persuade, to entertain, or to describe.
Common Authorial Purposes
Remember: A single passage can sometimes have multiple purposes, but there's usually a primary one.
| Purpose | What the author aims to do | Typical characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| To Inform | To educate the reader about a topic. | Factual, objective language; clear explanations; data and evidence. |
| To Persuade | To convince the reader to adopt a certain viewpoint or take action. | Argumentative language; appeals to logic or emotion; calls to action; strong opinions. |
| To Entertain | To amuse or engage the reader's interest. | Narrative elements; humor; vivid descriptions; engaging language. |
| To Describe | To create a vivid picture or sensory experience for the reader. | Sensory details; figurative language; focus on imagery. |
| To Analyze | To break down a subject into its components and examine them. | Logical structure; evidence-based reasoning; critical evaluation. |
Strategies for Analyzing Tone and Purpose
To effectively analyze tone and purpose on the GRE, employ these strategies:
1. Read Actively and Annotate
As you read, highlight words or phrases that stand out. Note any strong adjectives, adverbs, or verbs that reveal the author's attitude. Underline sentences that seem to state the main point or call to action.
2. Identify Key Diction and Syntax
Pay close attention to the author's word choices. Are they formal or informal? Positive or negative? Technical or accessible? Also, consider sentence structure. Are they short and direct, or long and complex? This provides clues to the author's attitude and intent.
3. Consider the Audience and Context
Who is the author writing for? What is the overall subject matter? The intended audience and the context of the writing can significantly influence the tone and purpose.
4. Summarize the Main Idea
After reading, try to summarize the passage in your own words. What is the central message? This summary will help you infer the author's primary purpose.
5. Evaluate Answer Choices Critically
When faced with multiple-choice questions, carefully examine each option. Does it accurately reflect the author's attitude (tone) and their reason for writing (purpose)? Eliminate choices that are too extreme, too mild, or misinterpret the author's intent.
Tone is the author's attitude, while purpose is the author's reason for writing.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master analyzing tone and purpose is through consistent practice with GRE-style reading comprehension passages. Focus on identifying the subtle cues that reveal the author's underlying message.
Learning Resources
Official overview from ETS on the Reading Comprehension section of the GRE, including what skills are tested.
Kaplan's guide to identifying tone and purpose in GRE passages, with tips and examples.
A YouTube tutorial explaining how to discern author's tone and purpose with practical examples.
Manhattan Prep offers strategies for tackling GRE Reading Comprehension, including how to approach tone and purpose questions.
Khan Academy's foundational lesson on identifying the author's purpose in various texts.
Official GRE practice questions from ETS, which can be used to practice identifying tone and purpose.
The Princeton Review provides insights and strategies for analyzing tone and purpose in GRE reading passages.
A detailed explanation of how to identify different tones in GRE passages, with examples.
Purdue OWL's comprehensive guide to understanding author's purpose in academic writing.
Tips and strategies from Beat The GMAT for improving performance on GRE Reading Comprehension, including tone and purpose analysis.