Three questions help with most short texts: why was it written, who is it for, and what does it say overall? The answers are the purpose, the audience and the main message.
This lesson belongs to reading short texts. It comes first because every later question is easier once you know the text’s job.
How do the three differ?
Purpose is a verb: inform, warn, invite, persuade, thank. Audience is a group of people. Main message is a full idea in one sentence.
Ask them in order, and write a few words for each.
Worked example: a school notice
Text: “Dear parents and guardians, the school canteen will stop selling fried food from next Monday. Fruit and plain water will be offered instead. We hope this helps students make healthier choices.”
| Question | Answer | Clue in the text |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To inform (and explain) | “will stop selling”, “We hope this helps” |
| Audience | Parents and guardians | “Dear parents and guardians” |
| Main message | The canteen is changing its menu to healthier food | The whole text, not one line |
A supporting detail is “Fruit and plain water will be offered instead”. It supports the main message but does not cover the whole text.
The mistake that costs marks
The common slip is to choose a detail as the main message, because it sounds important. The answer is true, but too small.
| Option | Why it is wrong |
|---|---|
| “Fruit will be sold.” | True, but only one detail |
| “Students like fried food.” | Not stated in the text |
| “The canteen will sell healthier food from Monday.” | Covers the whole text |
The fix is a test: does the option cover every sentence? If not, it is a detail.
How does tone help?
Words like “hope” and “please” show a polite, friendly tone. Words like “must” and “forbidden” show a firm tone.
Tone shows how the writer feels about the audience, and that supports your answer on purpose.
Check yourself
Text: “Attention all Form 4 students! Sign up for the science fair before Friday. Prizes will be given for the best projects, so start planning today.” State the purpose, the audience and the main message.
Answer
Purpose: to invite and encourage, with a deadline. Audience: Form 4 students (“Attention all Form 4 students”). Main message: Form 4 students should sign up for the science fair before Friday, and prizes await the best projects.
What to study next
Go on to recognising paraphrase instead of identical words. Use the claim, evidence and revision desk to check your answers against the text. If you would like a teacher to read with you, see online one-to-one English tuition.