Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension: Determining Author's Purpose 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?

Accepted Answer

To persuade the reader that universal pre-kindergarten is a necessary and beneficial policy.

Answer

To inform the reader about the history of early childhood education.

Answer

To entertain the reader with stories about pre-kindergarten classrooms.

Answer

To describe the daily schedule of a typical pre-kindergarten student.

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:

Accepted Answer

Inform

Answer

Entertain

Answer

Persuade

Answer

Describe

Question 3

Which of the following written works is MOST likely to have been created with the primary purpose of entertainment?

Accepted Answer

A satirical novel that mocks modern politics.

Answer

A company's annual financial report.

Answer

An encyclopedia entry about the Roman Empire.

Answer

A political candidate's speech outlining their platform.

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?

Accepted Answer

To provide credible evidence that supports their argument.

Answer

To make the text longer and meet a word count.

Answer

To demonstrate their extensive vocabulary.

Answer

To confuse the reader into agreeing with them.

Question 5

A cookbook that provides step-by-step directions for making various desserts has which primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform and explain a process.

Answer

To entertain the reader with stories about cooking.

Answer

To persuade the reader to become a professional chef.

Answer

To describe the appearance of different desserts.

Question 6

The key difference between an author's purpose to inform and their purpose to entertain is that informative texts prioritize:

Accepted Answer

The objective presentation of facts and details.

Answer

Emotional engagement and storytelling.

Answer

The author's personal opinions and biases.

Answer

A call to action for the reader.

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?

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?