ACT Compass Reading

ACT Compass Reading focuses on enhancing reading comprehension skills essential for academic success.

Understanding Main Ideas and ThemesIdentifying Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Understanding Author’s Purpose and ToneAnalyzing Text StructureEvaluating Arguments and Evidence
Interpreting Everyday TextsComprehending Informational TextsApplying Critical Reading to Digital Media
Time Management for the Reading SectionUsing Process of EliminationActive Reading Techniques
Understanding Main I...Identifying Supporti...Making InferencesUnderstanding Author...Analyzing Text Struc...Evaluating Arguments...Interpreting Everyda...Comprehending Inform...Applying Critical Re...Time Management for ...Using Process of Eli...Active Reading Techn...
Advanced Topics

Understanding Author’s Purpose and Tone

Why Did the Author Write This?

The author’s purpose is the reason behind the text. It could be to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain. Tone is the author’s attitude, which you can sense through word choice and style.

Clues to Purpose

  • Inform: Look for facts, instructions, or explanations.
  • Persuade: Watch for opinions, arguments, or calls to action.
  • Entertain: Notice humor, drama, or storytelling.

Detecting Tone

Tone can be serious, playful, angry, hopeful, and more. Check the words and phrases—are they positive, negative, or neutral?

Why It Counts

Understanding purpose and tone helps you see the bigger picture and answer questions about the author’s intent.

Examples

  • A passage full of facts and statistics likely aims to inform.

  • A story with playful language and jokes has a humorous tone.

In a Nutshell

Purpose and tone reveal why the author wrote the passage and how they feel about the topic.

Key Terms

Author’s Purpose
The reason an author writes a text—such as to inform, persuade, or entertain.
Tone
The author’s attitude toward the subject, shown through word choice and style.
Next
Analyzing Text Structure