In the previous video,
we saw how writers have a specific purpose when they write.
We also saw that they bring their own point of view,
which colors what they say and how they say it.
There's something else that's very important: The author's tone.
So, stick around and let's see how understanding the author's tone
can help you improve your reading comprehension.
The Author's Tone [♫]
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Hi. Welcome back to Snap Language. My name is Marc Franco.
This video is part of a series about detecting and interpreting
elements in writing that help you improve your reading comprehension.
So, please subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any of our videos.
We saw that the writer's point of view affects
what the writer actually says about the topic
Depending on your point of view, you may feel very differently
about things.
Depending on how you feel, you treat the topic differently, too.
So, your point of view affects your attitudes,
and your attitudes affect how you express yourself.
Attitudes and opinions affect your tone.
For example, let's say we have a meeting,
but you're very late. Hear the differences in tone...
[NEUTRAL TONE] "What happened? You're late."
[CONCERNED TONE] "What happened? You're late."
[ANNOYED TONE] "What happened? You're late."
The words were the same, but you heard the differences
in the tone I used, right?
So, actually, the message was not the same.
I communicated more than the words were saying by themselves.
[BARELY AUDIBLE]: But, wait... when you're reading something
[BARELY AUDIBLE]: you can't really hear the writer's tone...
So, how does the writer's tone really work in writing?
Word choice.
Writers select the words they want to use very carefully
because they want to communicate their message exactly.
Thankfully, the language gives you many options
that communicate many nuances.
For example, I can say your lateness is annoying...
or irritating...
infuriating...
You have no idea how utterly infuriating your lateness is!
Whoa! This last one was quite pissy.
So, you see that by using different vocabulary,
you can express the message plus something else:
the tone in which the message is intended.
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Let's put it all together.
We've been learning about the author's purpose, point of view, and tone.
Let's say the writer wants to write a passage in psychology,
using facts and really good information.
So, the purpose is to inform.
The writer may have a point of view about the topic,
which may affect the information he or she includes.
What tone is appropriate for this? Probably a neutral or serious tone.
Now let's say the writer wants to write about his position
against criminalization of marijuana in the United States.
The purpose will likely be persuasive.
If the writer feels very strongly about his point of view,
he or she will use a negative, even angry tone to talk about
the criminalization of marijuana users
but a positive, maybe hopeful tone to talk about
decriminalizing the use of marijuana.
As you can see, these elements in writing work hand in hand.
As the reader, your job is to determine the writer's purpose,
point of view and tone to interpret the message.
Doing so will improve your reading comprehension.
Understanding the writer's purpose tells you
what information you need to focus on while you read.
Determining the author's point of view helps you
evaluate the information and the author's possible biases
toward the topic.
Detecting the writer's tone helps you understand not only the words
you are reading but also the attitudes the author is conveying.
I hope you enjoyed learning how these things come together
in reading, and I hope this will help you improve
your reading comprehension.
Have you always noticed the writers' purpose,
point of view and tone?
Or is this new to you?
Do you think effective readers really think about these things
while they read?
If you have any thoughts about this, please leave them in the comments below.
I'd love to hear from you.
Don't forget to check the descriptions under the video
for more materials.
And until the next time,
thanks for stopping by and watching this video.
[The Author's Tone] [♫]
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