ISEE Lower Level Reading Comprehension

Learn how to understand, analyze, and answer questions about reading passages for the ISEE Lower Level exam.

Finding the Main IdeaUnderstanding DetailsFiguring Out Vocabulary in Context
Making InferencesUnderstanding Author’s PurposeComparing and Contrasting Information
Applying Reading Comprehension to Everyday LifeUsing Context Clues in Daily ConversationsRecognizing Main Ideas in Media
Read the Questions FirstEliminate Wrong AnswersCheck Your Answers
Finding the Main Ide...Understanding Detail...Figuring Out Vocabul...Making InferencesUnderstanding Author...Comparing and Contra...Applying Reading Com...Using Context Clues ...Recognizing Main Ide...Read the Questions F...Eliminate Wrong Answ...Check Your Answers
Advanced Topics

Understanding Author’s Purpose

What is Author’s Purpose?

The author's purpose is the reason they wrote the passage. Usually, it's to inform, entertain, or persuade.

How to Find the Author’s Purpose

  • Ask: Why did the author write this?
  • Look for clues in the language. Is it funny, serious, or giving instructions?
  • Think about what you learned or how you felt.

Types of Author’s Purpose

  • Inform: The author teaches you something.
  • Entertain: The author tells a story to amuse.
  • Persuade: The author wants you to think or do something.

Real-World Example

Advertisements are written to persuade you to buy something, while comic books are written to entertain!

Examples

  • A news article about recycling aims to inform.

  • A funny story about a silly dog is meant to entertain.

In a Nutshell

The author's purpose is the reason for writing: to inform, entertain, or persuade.

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Comparing and Contrasting Information