ARTICLE OF THE WEEK LAB # 11
AUTHOR’S PURPOSE and TONE
PURPOSES
To understand a writer’s three possible purposes used in writing
To introduce the concept of tone
To identify the tone of a piece of writing
To reflect on tone as helpful to understanding the writer’s purpose
Authors have many possible purposes when they write, among them: to inform, to convince, to
persuade, to entertain, to explore.
When authors inform, they provide information for the reader about a specific topic. For example, a
writer may wish to inform the reader about the effects of global warming on climate change.
When authors convince, they try to convince the reader to agree with them on a certain issue. For
example, a writer may try to convince the reader that The Beatles are a far better band than The
Rolling Stones.
When authors persuade, they try to persuade the reader to take a certain action. Persuading is
moving the audience from conviction to action. For example, a writer may try to convince the reader
to recycle old batteries properly at local grocery stores.
When authors entertain, they try to evoke an emotional reaction from the reader such as laughter,
fear, or shock. For example, a writer may wish to make a reader laugh with his or her depiction of the
trials and tribulations of recycling food scraps in a household where the family cat eats everything in
sight, even trash.
When authors explore, they write to explore many things—from personal emotions to a variety of
complex issues. They are often seeking clarity on the subject, exploring possible answers or
solutions.
Tone refers to the attitude or feeling a writer expresses about his or her subject. Tone is the feeling,
mood, or emotions that the author expresses in a written work.
Below are three statements by employees of a fast-food restaurant. Notice the differences in tone.
“I have no doubt that flipping burgers and toasting buns will prepare me for a top position on Wall
Street.”
Tone: mocking, sarcastic
“I love working at Burger Barn. I meet interesting people, earn extra money, and get to eat all the
chicken nuggets I want when I go on break.”
Tone: enthusiastic, positive
“I’m not excited about wearing fluorescent green polyester uniforms, but the managers are willing to
schedule me around my classes, and the company offers scholarships to hard-working employees.”
Tone: fair-minded, objective
______________________________________________________________________________
1. Choose a political article for this assignment.
2. Write the MLA citation for the article you choose.
Questions 3 and 4 focus on purpose.
3. Read the article. Is the author trying to inform, persuade, or entertain?
4. Write down 4 or 5 pieces of information from the article to support your answer to #3.
Questions 5 and 6 focus on tone.
5. Use the chart below to help organize your thoughts and work. The boxes will expand as you write in
them if you write on this document online.
Article
Purpose(s)
Tone(s)
Evidence of
Tone(s)
Comments/Notes
6. Write a paragraph with at least 6 grammatically correct sentences in which you identify your article by
author and title and discuss the tone that the author uses in the article. In your discussion of tone, address
 what the tone of the author adds to your understanding of, or enjoyment of, the writing;
 how the work would be stronger or weaker if the author had used a different tone; and
 how the tone of the article helped you understand the purpose of the article.