HSPT Reading

A comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering the HSPT Reading section, focusing on comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills.

Understanding the HSPT Reading SectionReading Comprehension SkillsVocabulary in ContextIdentifying Author’s Purpose and Tone
Analyzing Arguments and EvidenceDrawing Conclusions and Making PredictionsUnderstanding Text Structure and Organization
Applying Reading Skills to Real LifeBuilding Vocabulary for School and BeyondCritical Reading in Everyday Choices
Time Management for the HSPT Reading SectionActive Reading StrategiesElimination and Guessing Techniques
Understanding the HS...Reading Comprehensio...Vocabulary in Contex...Identifying Author’s...Analyzing Arguments ...Drawing Conclusions ...Understanding Text S...Applying Reading Ski...Building Vocabulary ...Critical Reading in ...Time Management for ...Active Reading Strat...Elimination and Gues...
Basic Concepts

Identifying Author’s Purpose and Tone

Why Did the Author Write This?

Authors write for different reasons: to inform, persuade, entertain, or express ideas. On the HSPT, you’ll need to recognize the author’s purpose and the tone (the author’s attitude toward the subject).

Clues to Look For

  • Purpose: Is the author trying to teach, convince, or just tell a story?
  • Tone: Is the writing serious, humorous, excited, or sad?

Why It Matters

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

Everyday Application

Noticing tone and purpose helps you understand news articles, advertisements, and even social media posts.

Examples

  • Identifying that a passage is meant to inform because it explains how volcanoes erupt.

  • Recognizing a sarcastic tone in a review that uses exaggerated praise.

In a Nutshell

Recognizing why an author writes and the attitude they show in the text.

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Analyzing Arguments and Evidence