An author may want to inform, entertain, or persuade readers. The author’s purpose often determines the tone. Tone is the author’s attitude toward the topic.

• • If the author mainly wants to entertain readers, the tone may be friendly and cheerful. The author may use everyday language, descriptive words, and short sentences.

• • If the author wants to inform readers, the tone may be serious. The author may use words that are specific, accurate, and technical.

• • If the author wants to persuade readers, the tone may be strong and forceful. The author may use words like must or should.

Practice Together

Read and Discuss Read the passage below. Notice the everyday language and descriptive words and phrases. Discuss how they express a friendly tone. Identify the author’s purpose.

The storage room in our museum is going to burst at the seams pretty soon! Our collection of masks is growing way too fast. When we started, we had about 25 masks from different places in Asia. Then the museum director visited Italy and returned with dozens of elegant, richly decorated masks. Then she went to Kenya, where she bought hundreds of traditional carved wood masks. Some have animal features. Others have scary, painted designs. Every time the director goes on a trip, she brings back more masks. If this keeps up, we’ll need a whole new museum just for masks!

Try It!

Read and Discuss Reread “Making Faces.” Identify the purpose and tone. What words and phrases help you identify the tone?