Indicating the author's purpose and theme in a selection shows which reading skill?

Indicating the author's purpose and theme in a selection demonstrates the skill of identifying. This skill involves recognizing and grasping the essential ideas and intentions behind a text. By pinpointing the author's purpose, whether to inform, persuade, entertain, or express, a reader can better understand the overall message and how the theme is presented throughout the work.

Identifying is foundational to comprehending a text, as it guides readers to focus on the central ideas and the reasons why the author wrote the piece. This allows for a deeper engagement with the material, leading to more insightful discussions and analyses. Identifying these elements is crucial not just for understanding a single text, but also for connecting it to broader literary themes and movements, enhancing the reader's appreciation and interpretation.