The topic of a text is what the text is mostly about. It is usually one or two words that tell the subject of the passage, like “animals,” “friendship,” or “space.”
Look for words or ideas that repeat often in the text. They usually point to the topic.
The purpose of a text is the reason the author wrote it. Authors write for different reasons: to inform, to entertain, or to persuade.
Ask yourself: What does the author want me to learn, enjoy, or do after reading this text?
The topic tells you what the text is about, and the purpose tells you why it was written. Understanding both helps you become a stronger reader.
Think: “What is this text about?” (topic) and “Why did the author write it?” (purpose). Answering both questions gives you a complete understanding.