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TEN STEPS to IMPROVING COLLEGE READING SKILLS SIXTH EDITION © 2014 Townsend Press John Langan

8 Purpose and Tone

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone There is an author—a person with thoughts, feelings, and opinions—behind everything you read. the purpose of a piece of writing—to inform, to persuade, or to entertain— Authors write from a personal point of view. That point of view is reflected in its tone—the expression of attitude and feeling. and

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone REAL LIFE ADVENTURES © 2006 GarLanco. Reprinted with permission of UNIVERSAL UCLICK. All rights reserved. The purpose of this cartoon, like all cartoons, is to entertain.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone REAL LIFE ADVENTURES © 2006 GarLanco. Reprinted with permission of UNIVERSAL UCLICK. All rights reserved. Can you tell what the tone of each speaker is? Which one is sincere in what he says? Which is insincere?

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone REAL LIFE ADVENTURES © 2006 GarLanco. Reprinted with permission of UNIVERSAL UCLICK. All rights reserved. The boss is insincere. If he decided to fire the worker, he most likely is not sorry. He doesn’t know if the worker will “land on his feet” and find another job.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone REAL LIFE ADVENTURES © 2006 GarLanco. Reprinted with permission of UNIVERSAL UCLICK. All rights reserved. The boss is insincere. The worker, on the other hand, is sincere in his anger at being fired and his wish that he could stomp on his ex-boss’s chest.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose The author’s reason for writing the purpose of a selection is called

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose Here are three common purposes in writing: To inform To persuade To entertain —to give information about a subject. —to convince the reader to agree with the author’s point of view on a subject. —to amuse and delight; to appeal to the reader’s senses and imagination.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose Often, the cover and the title of a book or article will suggest the author’s main purpose.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain Primary purpose: What would you say is the primary purpose of each of these books? A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain Primary purpose: A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain Primary purpose:

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose Primary purpose: A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain What would you say is the primary purpose of each of these books? A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose Primary purpose: A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain What would you say is the primary purpose of each of these books? A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose Primary purpose: What would you say is the primary purpose of each of these books? A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain Read this paragraph and decide what the author’s purpose is. Primary purpose: Each Saturday morning, TV commercials advertise fast foods and high-calorie cereals directly to children. These ads teach children unhealthy eating habits and have been linked to childhood obesity. Parents must realize how harmful such commercials are and should pressure companies to stop marketing unhealthy products to children.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose Primary purpose: Each Saturday morning, TV commercials advertise fast foods and high-calorie cereals directly to children. These ads teach children unhealthy eating habits and have been linked to childhood obesity. Parents must realize how harmful such commercials are and should pressure companies to stop marketing unhealthy products to children. A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain The writer’s purpose is to persuade the audience that parents should protest the marketing of unhealthy products to children. Words such as must and should are meant to convince us rather than to inform us.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain What is the author’s purpose in this paragraph? Primary purpose: About 113 billion people have lived and died in the history of our planet, according to scientific estimates. Of all these people, the names of about 7 billion, or approximately 6 percent, are recorded in some way—on monuments or in books, manuscripts, and public records. The other 106 billion people are gone without a trace.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose Primary purpose: About 113 billion people have lived and died in the history of our planet, according to scientific estimates. Of all these people, the names of about 7 billion, or approximately 6 percent, are recorded in some way—on monuments or in books, manuscripts, and public records. The other 106 billion people are gone without a trace. A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain The purpose is to inform. The author is simply providing readers with information about the people who have lived and died on Earth.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose A. to inform B. to persuade C. to entertain What is the author’s purpose in this paragraph? Primary purpose: Because of the war between his medium-size shirts and pants and his extra- large-size body, my brother has made a commitment to only three meals a day. His definition of a meal, however, is as broad as his belly. If we spot a pretzel salesman or a hot-dog stand on our way to a restaurant, for example, he is not beyond suggesting that we stop. “It’ll make a good appetizer,” he says.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose Primary purpose: Because of the war between his medium-size shirts and pants and his extra- large-size body, my brother has made a commitment to only three meals a day. His definition of a meal, however, is as broad as his belly. If we spot a pretzel salesman or a hot-dog stand on our way to a restaurant, for example, he is not beyond suggesting that we stop. “It’ll make a good appetizer,” he says. B. to persuade C. to entertain The playful and exaggerated details tell us the author’s main goal is to entertain with humor. A. to inform

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose A Note about Writing with More Than One Purpose Sometimes, writing may blend two or even three purposes.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose A Note about Writing with More Than One Purpose Entertain Inform Persuade For example, an author might write an informative article about losing weight. But it could include some comic touches. And it might even include some implied persuasion. But remember to focus on the author’s primary purpose.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Purpose A Note about Writing with More Than One Purpose Entertain Inform Persuade An informative article about losing weight

Inform, Persuade or Entertain? Professional athletes do not deserve their inflated salaries, nor does their behavior merit so much media attention.

The career of a professional athlete is usually quite short.

Nurses assigned to intensive-care units should be given shorter shifts and higher pay because the work they do is unusually demanding and stressful.

On average, women dream more than men, and children dream more than adults.

The best approach to take when you feel the urge to exercise is to lie down quickly in a darkened room until the feeling goes away.

It’s easy to quit smoking; I’ve done it hundreds of time.

More women should get involved in local politics and support the growing number of female candidates for public office.

An artificial odor is added to natural gas so that people can tell whether or not gas is leaking.

Once football season begins, Matt starts jogging every night – to the refrigerator during commercial breaks.

The first person to die of radiation poisoning was a co-discoverer of radium, Marie Curie.

Wait – It’s NOT that EASY! Sometimes, well, MOST of the time, author’s write with MORE than one purpose in mind. For example, while the author of our textbook’s MAIN purpose is to inform us about reading skills, he also wrote with another goal in mind – entertaining us. That’s why he included so many cartoons in the book.

So How Do I Pick An Answer? When a test question asks you what the purpose of a piece of writing is you want to look for the author’s MAIN purpose.

How to Find the Main Purpose We look for key words or phrases, of course! (Just like we always do in this class)

Inform Direct Statements of Fact Objective information Statistics, Data, Survey Info, etc. presented in a matter-of-fact way

Persuade Opinion (I believe that, in my opinion, it is clear to me that, etc.) Statements that draw conclusions that are not completely based on fact (do not deserve, should be given, is not fair, needs to be dealt with) Statements that tell the reader THEY need to or should do something (You must, we need to, if we don’t)

Entertain Humor (funny) Fiction (not true) Exaggerated Truth

We have all heard the story of how the young, impoverished Abraham Lincoln trekked miles to borrow books from a neighbor and then read them by firelight. We know that 19 th century readers would rush to the wharf to greet the ship carrying the latest chapters of a Dickens novel. Today, reading seems less urgent and less exciting to many of us. Worse, few people impart a passion for books to their children. Instead, they leave the children in front of the television and hope, weakly, that too much watching TV won’t be bad for them. But we cannot afford to stop reading. Books shed a light that illuminates our problems and crises. They are also mirrors that reflect the truest image of ourselves.

The main purpose of this passage is to: – A. explain something about Abraham Lincoln and Dickens to readers. – B. convince readers of the importance of books. – C. delight readers with entertaining material from books.

Most of what I know about carpentry, which is almost nothing, I learned in Shop. You should know that I took Shop during the Eisenhower administration, when boys took Shop and girls took Home Economics – a code name for “cooking.” Schools are not allowed to separate boys and girls like that anymore. They’re also not allowed to put students’ heads in vises and tighten them, which is what our Shop teacher, Mr. Schmidt, did to Ronnie Miller in the fifth grade when Ronnie used a chisel when he should have used a screwdriver. (Mr. Schmidt had strong feelings about how to use tools properly.) I guess he shouldn’t have put Ronnie’s read in the vise, but it (Ronnie’s head) was no great prize to begin with, and you can bet Ronnie never confused chisels and screwdrivers later in life – assuming he made it to later life. The author’s purpose is to: A. Inform readers about the nature of shop classes. B. Argue that shop classes should be eliminated from public schools. C. Amuse readers with humorous details about shop classes.

Studies of job satisfaction indicate that the vast majority of workers are at least somewhat satisfied with their jobs and would continue to work even if they didn’t have to. The meaning of work varies from person to person. To some, it is a source of self-respect and life purpose. For others, work is a means of passing time. To still others, it is primarily a source of financial independence. Among women, available work is often less satisfying than home management. Yet most women report increases in self- esteem when employed, especially if they experience support from their families. The reason the author wrote this passage is to: A. Report on what has been learned through studies of job satisfaction B. Convince readers of the importance of job satisfaction. C. Entertain readers with rich, sensual descriptions of job satisfaction.

Practice: Review Test #2 – p

Review Test #2 Answers 1. P 2. I 3. E 4. I 5. P

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone a writer’s attitude toward his or her subject Tone is

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone Tone is expressed through the words and details the writer selects. A writer’s voice can project one or more tones, or feelings, such as

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone Anger Respect Anger

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone “I just shot my husband five times in the chest with this.357 Magnum.” Three examples of tone: Statements made by a person confessing to murder. (Tone: matter-of-fact, objective) (Tone: shocked, disbelieving) “That dirty rat. He’s had it coming for years. I’m glad I finally had the nerve to do it.” (Tone: revengeful, self-satisfied) “How could I ever have killed him? I just can’t believe I did that!”

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone ashamed doubtful praising worried playful disapproving respectful accepting conceited forgiving fearful cheerful loving joyous affectionate scornful ambivalent ironic instructive lighthearted objective informal scheming bewildered forgiving indignant arrogant impassioned bitter caring serious alarmed curious regretful sympathetic critical grateful encouraging threatening warm insulting humorous calming concerned amused compassionate sarcastic superior matter-of-fact reverent tolerant straightforward prideful despairing optimistic solemn hypocritical disbelieving sentimental appreciative For a list of more than eighty tone words see pages 326–327 in the textbook. admiring self-critical excited defensive tragic apologetic frightened approving self-pitying sorrowful alarmed cruel determined nostalgic suggestive

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone This place may be shabby, but since both of my children were born while we lived here, it has a special place in my heart. A. encouraging B. sentimental C. determined What is tone in this statement?

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone This place may be shabby, but since both of my children were born while we lived here, it has a special place in my heart. A. encouraging B. sentimental C. determined “It has a special place in my heart” expresses tender emotions

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone What is tone in this statement? A. encouraging B. sentimental C. determined This isn’t the greatest apartment in the world, but it’s not really that bad. A. accepting B. regretful C. cynical This place may be shabby, but since both of my children were born while we lived here, it has a special place in my heart.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone This place may be shabby, but since both of my children were born while we lived here, it has a special place in my heart. A. encouraging B. sentimental C. determined This isn’t the greatest apartment in the world, but it’s not really that bad. A. accepting B. regretful C. cynical The words “it’s not really that bad” show that the writer is tolerant, accepting the situation while recognizing that it could be better.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone This place may be shabby, but since both of my children were born while we lived here, it has a special place in my heart. A. encouraging B. sentimental C. determined This isn’t the greatest apartment in the world, but it’s not really that bad. A. accepting B. regretful C. cynical A. cheerful B. bitter C. threatening If only there were some decent jobs out there, I wouldn’t be reduced to living in this miserable dump. What is tone in this statement?

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone This place may be shabby, but since both of my children were born while we lived here, it has a special place in my heart. A. encouraging B. sentimental C. determined This isn’t the greatest apartment in the world, but it’s not really that bad. A. accepting B. regretful C. cynical A. cheerful B. bitter C. threatening If only there were some decent jobs out there, I wouldn’t be reduced to living in this miserable dump. The writer is bitter about the situation that forces him or her to live in a “miserable dump.”

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone A Note on Irony One commonly used tone is irony.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone When writing has an ironic tone, it says one thing but means the opposite. What is said What is meant / A Note on Irony This is known as verbal irony.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone / A Note on Irony “I feel terrific today.” Verbal Irony For example, if you’re suffering from the flu and someone asks how you feel, and you say: you are using verbal irony.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone / A Note on Irony “I feel terrific today.” “I feel lousy today.” What is said What is meant Verbal Irony The words you have said are the opposite of what you really mean.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone / A Note on Irony Here are two more examples of verbal irony: While standing in a long, slow line at a supermarket or bank, you might say to people in line with you, “My, this is exciting.” If a friend arrives at your place two hours late, you might say, “Well, thanks for showing up on time.” Verbal irony is also known as sarcasm. Verbal Irony

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone / A Note on Irony Irony also refers to situations in which what happens is the opposite of what we might expect. What is expected What actually happens This is known as irony of situation.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone / A Note on Irony What is expected What actually happens Example: Security cameras installed stolen during a robbery. were Irony of Situation installed to stop crime

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone / A Note on Irony Irony of Situation Here are two more examples of irony of situation: Albert Einstein, one of the century’s most brilliant scientists, did poorly in school. An instructor at a health club smokes a cigarette during lunch break.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone / A Note on Irony Can you explain the irony in this cartoon? GRAND AVENUE © 2002 Steve Breen and Mike Thompson. Reprinted by permission of UNIVERSAL UCLICK for UFS. All rights reserved.

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone Tone / A Note on Irony Can you explain the irony in this cartoon? GRAND AVENUE © 2002 Steve Breen and Mike Thompson. Reprinted by permission of UNIVERSAL UCLICK for UFS. All rights reserved. The irony is that the little girl herself is completely self- absorbed. She shows no interest in the people around her and is concerned only about their paying attention to her new hair style.

AdmiringCriticalIronic ObjectiveSympathetic Tony is an excellent manager – the best one I’ve ever had.

AdmiringCriticalIronic ObjectiveSympathetic I know Tony’s daughter has been sick. Naturally it’s hard for him to concentrate on work right now.

AdmiringCriticalIronic ObjectiveSympathetic Tony’s too ambitious for his own good. That ambition may destroy both him and the company.

AdmiringCriticalIronic ObjectiveSympathetic Since Tony Roberts became manager, sales in the appliance division have increased 30%.

AdmiringCriticalIronic ObjectiveSympathetic Tony’s wonderful, all right. He’s gotten as far as he as without the slightest idea of how to manage a division.

DisbelievingJoyfulNostalgic PessimisticSarcasticSelf-pitying SolemnStraightforward SympatheticThreatening Please take the garbage out on your way to school this morning.

DisbelievingJoyfulNostalgic PessimisticSarcasticSelf-pitying SolemnStraightforward SympatheticThreatening Sure, Mom. I’ve been looking forward to that chore all morning.

DisbelievingJoyfulNostalgic PessimisticSarcasticSelf-pitying SolemnStraightforward SympatheticThreatening Listen, young man, if you don’t start fulfilling your responsibilities around this house, your father and I will start asking you to pay rent or find your own place.

DisbelievingJoyfulNostalgic PessimisticSarcasticSelf-pitying SolemnStraightforward SympatheticThreatening Okay, I’ll take the garbage out. But you know it’s not easy going to school full-time and working 20 hours a week when I’m just getting over a bad case of the flu.

DisbelievingJoyfulNostalgic PessimisticSarcasticSelf-pitying SolemnStraightforward SympatheticThreatening I know, honey, this semester has been an especially difficult one for you.

Practice: Practice #5: p Practice #6: p

Practice 5 Answers 1. J – Revengeful 2. C – Alarmed 3. A – Accepting 4. D – Ambivalent 5. F – Bitter

Practice 6 Answers 1. B – Pleading Tone 2. A – Distressed Tone 3. B. Bewildered Tone 4. A – Inform Ann Landers of their daughter’s situation 5. B – To persuade readers that it is best to drink little or no alcohol

Practice: Review Test #3 – p

Review Test #3 Answers: 1. D 2. E 3. C 4. F 5. A

CHAPTER 8 Purpose and Tone