New SAT Writing and Language

The New SAT Writing and Language section focuses on grammar, usage, and clarity in writing through various passages and questions.

Grammar and Sentence StructurePunctuation and UsageClarity and Conciseness
Improving Paragraphs and Logical FlowRhetorical Skills: Purpose and ToneData Interpretation in Writing
Applying SAT Writing Skills to School WorkWriting for College and Job ApplicationsCommunicating Clearly in Everyday Life
Process of EliminationReading for ContextManaging Your Time
Grammar and Sentence...Punctuation and Usag...Clarity and Concisen...Improving Paragraphs...Rhetorical Skills: P...Data Interpretation ...Applying SAT Writing...Writing for College ...Communicating Clearl...Process of Eliminati...Reading for ContextManaging Your Time
Advanced Topics

Rhetorical Skills: Purpose and Tone

Understanding Purpose and Tone

The SAT asks you to consider why an author chose specific words, sentences, or structures. Recognizing the purpose (to inform, persuade, entertain) and tone (formal, casual, excited) helps answer questions about improving or revising passages.

Key Points

  • Purpose: Why did the author write this? What are they trying to do?
  • Tone: How does the author sound? Is it serious, playful, neutral, critical?
  • Consistency: Make sure purpose and tone remain appropriate throughout the text.

Real-World Uses

Adapting your tone and purpose is essential for different writing contexts, from persuasive essays to friendly texts.

Examples

  • Using formal language in a research paper vs. casual language in a blog.

  • Identifying when a passage tries to convince versus just inform.

In a Nutshell

Matching tone and purpose helps your writing hit the right note.

Key Terms

Tone
The attitude or feeling expressed by the writer.
Purpose
The reason an author creates a text or passage.
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Data Interpretation in Writing