If you’re prepping for the HESI A2 entrance exam, the reading comprehension section can be a real pain in the a**, especially when it comes to determining the author’s purpose and tone. It’s not just about reading the words; it’s about figuring out what the author is trying to say and how they’re saying it. In this guide, I’ll break down what it means to determine the author’s purpose and tone, with examples and tips to help you ace this part of the HESI A2 reading section. And hang on till the end, because I’ve got a fantastic study guide to make sure you’re ready to nail this exam. Let’s get started.
What Does It Mean to Determine Author’s Purpose and Tone?
Determining the author’s purpose and tone involves understanding why the author wrote a passage and the attitude they take toward the topic. Here’s what you need to know:
Author’s Purpose
The author’s purpose is the reason they wrote the passage. It could be to inform, persuade, entertain, or a combination of these. Understanding the author’s purpose helps you grasp the main idea and identify the supporting details. Look for clues that indicate the purpose, such as whether the passage is presenting facts, arguing a point, or telling a story.
Tone
Tone is the author’s attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter. It can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, formal, informal, or anything in between. Determining the tone involves picking up on word choice, phrasing, and overall style. If the tone doesn’t match the content, there’s usually an underlying message the author is trying to convey.
Examples of Determining Author’s Purpose and Tone
Let’s explore some examples to see how determining the author’s purpose and tone works in the HESI A2 reading comprehension section:
Example 1: Passage About Environmental Conservation
Suppose you’re reading a passage about environmental conservation. If the author is presenting facts and statistics about deforestation and its impact on wildlife, the author’s purpose is likely to inform. The tone might be serious or somber, indicating concern about the environment. If the author uses phrases like “urgent need” and “irreversible damage,” you can infer that the tone is more dramatic.
Example 2: Passage About Technology
In a passage discussing the impact of technology on modern life, the author’s purpose might be to persuade you that technology has either improved or complicated life. If the author focuses on the positive aspects of technology, using words like “revolutionary” and “innovative,” the tone is likely optimistic. If the passage highlights the negative effects, with phrases like “disconnected” and “isolated,” the tone might be more critical.
Example 3: Passage About a Personal Experience
If a passage describes a personal experience, the author’s purpose could be to entertain or evoke emotion. If the author uses humor and lighthearted anecdotes, the tone is likely informal and playful. If the passage is more reflective, with a focus on lessons learned or personal growth, the tone could be contemplative or even nostalgic.
Tips for Determining Author’s Purpose and Tone
Now that you know what it means to determine the author’s purpose and tone, let’s talk about how to tackle this part of the HESI A2 reading section. Here are some tips to help you out:
Look for Clues in the Text
Pay attention to key phrases, word choice, and overall style. If the author uses a lot of technical terms and formal language, the purpose is likely to inform or educate. If the language is casual and conversational, the purpose could be to entertain or share a personal experience.
Consider the Structure of the Passage
The structure of the passage can also provide clues about the author’s purpose. If it’s organized logically, with headings and subheadings, the purpose might be to inform or explain. If the passage is more narrative, with a beginning, middle, and end, the purpose could be to entertain or tell a story.
Analyze the Author’s Word Choice
The words an author chooses can reveal a lot about their tone. If the language is filled with strong opinions and emotionally charged words, the tone could be passionate or intense. If the language is neutral and objective, the tone might be more detached or analytical.
Stay Calm and Manage Your Time
With 60 minutes to answer 47 questions, time management is crucial. Keep an eye on the clock and don’t get stuck on a single question. If you’re unsure about the author’s purpose or tone, make an educated guess and move on. Remember, you can’t skip questions and come back later, so keep the momentum going.
Get the Right Study Tools
If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource to help you prepare for the HESI A2 reading comprehension section, our reading comprehension study guide has you covered. It provides detailed explanations of reading comprehension concepts, including determining the author’s purpose and tone, and plenty of practice questions to help you build confidence.
With these tips and the right preparation, you’ll be ready to ace the HESI A2 reading comprehension section. Grab our study guide, take the free practice test, and let’s get you ready to crush this exam. Good luck!
