SSAT Middle Level: Reading

SSAT Middle Level

Understanding Main Ideas and DetailsMaking InferencesUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Analyzing Author's Purpose and ToneComparing and Contrasting InformationRecognizing Literary Devices
Reading for Everyday LifeResearch and Information GatheringCommunicating with Others
Active Reading TechniquesTime Management and Skimming
Understanding Main I...Making InferencesUnderstanding Vocabu...Analyzing Author's P...Comparing and Contra...Recognizing Literary...Reading for Everyday...Research and Informa...Communicating with O...Active Reading Techn...Time Management and ...
Advanced Topics

Analyzing Author's Purpose and Tone

Discovering Why and How Authors Write

Every author writes with a purpose—maybe to inform, persuade, entertain, or express feelings. The tone is the author's attitude, like being serious, humorous, or excited.

How to Identify Purpose

  • Look for the main goal: Is the author teaching you something, trying to change your mind, or telling a story?
  • Notice key words, facts, or opinions.

How to Sense Tone

  • Pay attention to word choices and sentence style.
  • Ask yourself: "How does this passage make me feel?"

Why It Matters

Knowing the purpose and tone helps you understand the "why" behind a passage and answer tricky SSAT questions.

Real-World Connection

Understanding purpose and tone helps you "read the room"—whether it's a serious news article or a funny story!

Examples

  • A passage full of jokes and playful words probably has an entertaining tone.

  • A text using lots of facts and data likely aims to inform.

In a Nutshell

Learn to figure out why an author writes and how their attitude shapes the passage.

Key Terms

Author's Purpose
The reason an author writes a passage: to inform, persuade, entertain, or express.
Tone
The author's attitude or feeling toward the subject.
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Comparing and Contrasting Information