SSAT Elementary Level Reading

A friendly introduction to reading comprehension skills for the SSAT Elementary Level.

Understanding Main IdeasFinding DetailsUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Making InferencesIdentifying Author’s PurposeComparing and Contrasting
Reading Everyday TextsDiscussing What You ReadUsing Reading to Learn New Things
Read the Questions FirstUse Process of Elimination
Understanding Main I...Finding DetailsUnderstanding Vocabu...Making InferencesIdentifying Author’s...Comparing and Contra...Reading Everyday Tex...Discussing What You ...Using Reading to Lea...Read the Questions F...Use Process of Elimi...
Advanced Topics

Identifying Author’s Purpose

Why Did the Author Write This?

Every author has a reason for writing. The main purposes are to persuade, inform, or entertain.

  • Persuade: The author wants you to do or believe something.
  • Inform: The author gives you facts or explains something.
  • Entertain: The author wants you to enjoy a story.

How to Tell the Author’s Purpose

  • Look at the tone and style.
  • Notice if there are lots of opinions or just facts.
  • Ask, “Did I learn something? Was it fun? Am I being asked to do something?”

Real Life Example

Figuring out why someone wrote something helps you understand news, ads, and even stories your friends tell!

Examples

  • A funny story about a talking dog is meant to entertain.

  • An article about recycling might be written to inform and persuade.

In a Nutshell

Authors write to persuade, inform, or entertain readers.

Key Terms

Author’s Purpose
The reason why an author writes something.
Persuade
To try to get someone to believe or do something.
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Comparing and Contrasting