Purpose and Tone
Exercise 1


Identify the purpose and tone of each statement. Choose if the purpose is to Inform or Persuade.

1.  

I always seem to be fighting with my mother. She gets angry with me, even though I don't think I have done anything wrong. Nothing ever seems to go my way.

What is the purpose of the statement?

2.  

The tone of the statement is

3.  

The children I baby-sit during the day have become some of my best friends. I care for them as if they were my own, and I no longer look at the task as just a "summer job," but an event I look forward to on a daily basis.

What is the purpose of the statement?

4.  

The tone of the statement is

5.  

August 14th is the scheduled date for all returning students to move into their new dormitories.

What is the purpose of the statement?

6.  

The tone of the statement is

7.  

If students continue to be involved in an educational system requiring standardized testing, we are leading them to believe that English and mathematics are the only two subjects worth studying--a misconception, one needing to change.

What is the purpose of the statement?

8.  

The tone of the statement is

9.  

I've applied for many jobs teaching tennis, but I have yet to receive a reply. I have a few more doors to open, and I am sure my dream job lies behind one of them.

What is the purpose of the statement?

10.  

The tone of the statement is

11.  

Beware of additional service fees when buying concert tickets. Be sure to ask before finalizing your purchase, or you might pay more than you thought!

What is the purpose of the statement?

12.  

The tone of the statement is

13.  

My father doesn't seem to see my need for a car, even though I have a million places to go during the day, and I am constantly borrowing his. He is forever trying to convince me that the bus isn't really that bad.

What is the purpose of the statement?

14.  

The tone of the statement is

15.  

Fall classes at the university begin on Monday, August 16th.

What is the purpose of the statement?

16.  

The tone of the statement is

17.  

Parents, please preview questionable movies before allowing your children to see them! Many movies are too violent!

What is the purpose of the statement?

18.  

The tone of the statement is

19.  

After completing my first year of college, I have finally decided on a major. I am convinced I will do well and cannot wait to begin my core courses.

What is the purpose of the statement?

20.  

The tone of the statement is

Note: answer choices in this exercise are randomized.
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