Master the specific and sophisticated verbs used on the SAT and ACT to describe an author's purpose. Go beyond 'persuade, inform, entertain' to understand terms like 'analyze,' 'critique,' 'speculate,' and 'reconcile.'
On the SAT/ACT, what does it mean if an author's purpose is 'to analyze'?
It means the author is breaking down a complex topic into smaller parts to examine how they interrelate and contribute to the whole.
What does it mean if an author's purpose is 'to critique'?
The author is evaluating a subject by discussing its merits and faults. A critique is not purely negative; it is a balanced assessment.
What is the author doing if their purpose is 'to reflect'?
The author is thoughtfully considering a personal experience, memory, or idea, often to find a deeper meaning or insight. This is common in memoirs or personal essays.
What does it mean for an author's purpose to be 'to speculate'?
The author is proposing a theory or guess about something for which there is not firm evidence. It often involves phrases like 'perhaps,' 'it seems likely,' or 'one might wonder'.
Define the authorial purpose of 'to advocate for'.
The author is arguing in support of a specific cause, policy, or course of action, aiming to persuade the reader to agree with their position.
What does it mean to 'chronicle' events?
It means to present a detailed and factual account of events in chronological order, like a historical record or timeline.
What does it mean if a passage's purpose is 'to illustrate' a concept?
The author is using examples, anecdotes, or comparisons to make an abstract idea or a complex point clearer and more concrete for the reader.
Define the authorial purpose 'to reconcile' two ideas.
The author is attempting to show how two seemingly contradictory ideas, findings, or viewpoints can coexist or be made compatible.
What is the author doing if their purpose is 'to debunk' an idea?
The author is exposing a belief or claim as false, often by presenting strong evidence against it. The goal is to discredit a popular misconception.
What does it mean if an author's purpose is 'to qualify' a claim?
The author is not completely agreeing or disagreeing but is instead limiting or modifying a claim, suggesting it is only true under certain conditions.
How is 'to describe' different from 'to analyze' as an author's purpose?
'To describe' involves painting a picture with words, focusing on sensory details ('what it looks like'). 'To analyze' involves explaining how something works, focusing on its structure and function ('how its parts fit together').
How do you distinguish between 'to argue' and 'to critique'?
'To argue' typically involves taking a strong stance and persuading the reader to adopt it. 'To critique' is a more balanced evaluation that weighs both the positive and negative aspects of a subject.
What does it mean if an author's purpose is 'to satirize'?
The author uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's foolishness or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
