Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension: Determining Author's Purpose Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An article titled "Why Universal Pre-Kindergarten Is the Smartest Investment for Our Future" details the cognitive benefits for children, long-term economic gains for society, and case studies of successful programs. What is the author's primary purpose?
- To inform the reader about the history of early childhood education.
- To entertain the reader with stories about pre-kindergarten classrooms.
- To persuade the reader that universal pre-kindergarten is a necessary and beneficial policy. (Correct answer)
- To describe the daily schedule of a typical pre-kindergarten student.
Correct answer: To persuade the reader that universal pre-kindergarten is a necessary and beneficial policy.
The title itself frames the topic as an argument ('Why...Is the Smartest Investment'). The content, which includes benefits and successful case studies, is selected specifically to convince the reader to support the policy of universal pre-kindergarten. While it does inform, the ultimate goal is persuasion.
Question 2: A passage reads: "The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semi-aquatic mammal native to the continent's waterways. A member of the weasel family, it possesses a streamlined body, a thick, muscular tail, and dense, water-repellent fur. Its diet consists mainly of fish, but it also consumes amphibians, turtles, and crayfish." The author's main purpose in this passage is to:
- Entertain
- Persuade
- Describe
- Inform (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Inform
The passage presents objective, factual information about the river otter, such as its scientific name, physical characteristics, and diet. The language is neutral and aims to educate the reader on a topic, which is the definition of writing to inform.
Question 3: Which of the following written works is MOST likely to have been created with the primary purpose of entertainment?
- A company's annual financial report.
- A satirical novel that mocks modern politics. (Correct answer)
- An encyclopedia entry about the Roman Empire.
- A political candidate's speech outlining their platform.
Correct answer: A satirical novel that mocks modern politics.
A satirical novel is a form of fiction designed to amuse and engage the reader's imagination and emotions, even while making a critical point. Its primary goal is entertainment. The other options are designed to inform (financial report, encyclopedia entry) or persuade (political speech).
Question 4: An author's purpose is to persuade, but their writing is filled with facts, statistics, and expert testimony. Why would a persuasive author use informative elements?
- To make the text longer and meet a word count.
- To demonstrate their extensive vocabulary.
- To provide credible evidence that supports their argument. (Correct answer)
- To confuse the reader into agreeing with them.
Correct answer: To provide credible evidence that supports their argument.
In persuasive writing, an argument is much stronger if it is supported by factual evidence. Authors use informative elements like statistics and expert opinions to build credibility and logically convince the reader that their viewpoint is valid and should be adopted.
Question 5: A cookbook that provides step-by-step directions for making various desserts has which primary purpose?
- To entertain the reader with stories about cooking.
- To inform and explain a process. (Correct answer)
- To persuade the reader to become a professional chef.
- To describe the appearance of different desserts.
Correct answer: To inform and explain a process.
A cookbook's main function is to provide clear instructions that a reader can follow to achieve a result. This falls under the purpose of informing the reader and explaining a specific process. While it may contain descriptions or entertaining anecdotes, its core purpose is instructional.
Question 6: The key difference between an author's purpose to inform and their purpose to entertain is that informative texts prioritize:
- Emotional engagement and storytelling.
- The author's personal opinions and biases.
- The objective presentation of facts and details. (Correct answer)
- A call to action for the reader.
Correct answer: The objective presentation of facts and details.
The primary goal of informative writing is to educate the reader by presenting factual, objective information. In contrast, entertainment writing prioritizes engaging the reader's emotions through storytelling, humor, or suspense, and persuasive writing often includes a call to action.
