Free ACT Reading: Author's Purpose Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A passage opens with a detailed account of a child's first experience seeing the ocean, using sensory language and emotional reflection. The author's primary purpose is most likely to:

Accepted Answer

Evoke an emotional response and draw the reader into a personal narrative

Answer

Sensory detail and emotional reflection are hallmarks of narrative writing aimed at engaging the reader emotionally. The primary purpose is to create an immersive personal experience, not to argue or inform scientifically.

Question 2

An author writes: "The city's recycling program, despite widespread public support, processes less than 12% of eligible waste. Funding cuts, inadequate infrastructure, and poor public education are the primary culprits." What is the author's purpose?

Accepted Answer

To analyze and critique the failures of an existing recycling program using evidence

Answer

The author presents a specific statistic (12%), identifies causes ("primary culprits"), and uses critical language ("failures"). The purpose is analytical critique — examining why the program underperforms.

Question 3

A historical passage describes the Treaty of Versailles in neutral, factual language, listing its key provisions and the nations involved. The author's primary purpose is:

Accepted Answer

To inform readers about the treaty's terms and historical context

Answer

Neutral, factual language and a focus on "key provisions" and nations indicate the author's purpose is informational — conveying historical facts rather than arguing a position or entertaining.

Question 4

A literary passage repeatedly describes a factory as "a great iron beast devouring the countryside." What is the author's purpose in using this language?

Accepted Answer

To convey a critical, negative perspective on industrialization through vivid metaphor

Answer

"Great iron beast devouring the countryside" is a metaphor expressing the author's critical view of industrialization as destructive and monstrous. The purpose is to convey attitude and perspective, not describe literally.

Question 5

An ACT passage about vaccination ends: "The evidence is unambiguous: vaccines save lives. Hesitancy based on discredited studies costs lives. The choice is that stark." What is the author's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To persuade readers to accept vaccination by presenting a clear, evidence-based argument

Answer

The direct, assertive language ("unambiguous," "saves lives," "costs lives," "that stark") with an implied call to action reveals the author's persuasive purpose — arguing for a specific position.

ACT Practice Test

ACT Practice Test

Free ACT Reading: Author's Purpose Questions and Answers 2