from Walden / Henry David Thoreau

Test Practice

Identify Author’s Purpose

With a partner, discuss how to answer this question about Thoreau’s purpose.

How is Thoreau’s tone related to his purpose in this selection?
a. The tone is challenging; Thoreau wants readers to consider the idea of a worthwhile life.
b. The tone is satiric; Thoreau is poking fun at conventions to make the reader recognize the problems with living in cities.
c. The tone is mildly persuasive; Thoreau wants to influence his audience, but he thinks he can do it best by offering his ideas in a nonconfrontational way.
d. The tone is angry; Thoreau is disgusted by the way people live and demands that they change their ways.


What is the correct answer to the question above? Explain how you chose that answer.

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