Which of the following strategies is most effective for helping students identify the author's purpose in a text?

Encouraging students to consider the tone and language used in a text is highly effective for identifying the author's purpose because the way information is presented often reflects the author's intent. The tone conveys the author's attitude toward the subject, whether it is informal, argumentative, or persuasive. For instance, a sarcastic tone might indicate a critical stance, while a passionate tone could suggest a desire to persuade the reader. Additionally, the specific language chosen by the author—such as figurative language, descriptive adjectives, or technical jargon—can provide clues about what the author is trying to achieve with the text. By analyzing these elements, students can gain insight into the underlying motivations behind the writing, which is crucial for understanding the author's purpose.

While summarizing the text or identifying key vocabulary words can provide foundational understanding, these approaches do not directly engage with the nuances of the author's intent. Creating a timeline of events, meanwhile, primarily focuses on the narrative structure rather than the author’s purpose, which is a deeper analytical skill. Encouraging awareness of tone and language fosters critical thinking about the text and enhances comprehension.