HSPT Reading

A comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering the HSPT Reading section, focusing on comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills.

Understanding Reading ComprehensionVocabulary in ContextIdentifying Author’s Purpose and Tone
Making Inferences and Drawing ConclusionsAnalyzing Passage StructureEvaluating Arguments and Evidence
Reading for School and HomeworkUnderstanding Instructions and DirectionsCritical Reading in Everyday Media
Skimming and Scanning TechniquesProcess of Elimination
Understanding Readin...Vocabulary in Contex...Identifying Author’s...Making Inferences an...Analyzing Passage St...Evaluating Arguments...Reading for School a...Understanding Instru...Critical Reading in ...Skimming and Scannin...Process of Eliminati...
Basic Concepts

Identifying Author’s Purpose and Tone

Why Did the Author Write This?

Every passage has a purpose—maybe to inform, entertain, persuade, or explain. The author's tone is their attitude toward the topic.

Recognizing Common Purposes

  • To inform: Presents facts or explains something
  • To persuade: Tries to convince the reader of something
  • To entertain: Tells a story or describes something in an interesting way

Spotting Tone

Tone can be formal, playful, serious, sarcastic, or excited! Look for word choices and the way the author describes things.

Practice Makes Perfect

  • Ask yourself how the passage makes you feel and why.
  • List words or phrases that stand out as emotional or opinionated.

Examples

  • A passage about recycling urges you to act, showing a persuasive purpose and an urgent tone.

  • A story with lots of jokes uses a humorous and lighthearted tone.

In a Nutshell

Discover why the author writes and how they feel about the topic.

Next
Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions