Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension: Determining Author's Purpose 2

Question 1

An author writes a passage describing the life cycle of monarch butterflies using vivid imagery and sensory language. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this passage?

Accepted Answer

To entertain readers with a story about butterflies

Answer

To inform readers about butterfly migration patterns

Answer

To persuade readers to protect endangered species

Answer

To describe the scientific classification of butterflies

Question 2

A passage states: 'Studies show that students who read for 20 minutes daily score 50% higher on comprehension tests. Therefore, schools must mandate daily reading time.' What is the author's purpose?

Accepted Answer

To persuade schools to require daily reading

Answer

To entertain with stories about reading

Answer

To explain how reading improves skills

Answer

To compare reading habits across school districts

Question 3

Which clue in a passage BEST indicates that an author's purpose is to inform rather than persuade?

Accepted Answer

The passage includes balanced facts and avoids opinion words

Answer

The passage uses emotional appeals to the reader

Answer

The passage presents only one side of an issue

Answer

The passage ends with a call to action

Question 4

A travel magazine article describes the bustling markets, colorful festivals, and friendly locals of a foreign city. What is the MOST LIKELY purpose of this passage?

Accepted Answer

To persuade readers to visit that city

Answer

To warn travelers about dangerous conditions abroad

Answer

To explain the history of the city's founding

Answer

To compare the city to other tourist destinations

Question 5

An author writes a humorous short story about a dog who tries to cook dinner for his family. What is the PRIMARY purpose?

Accepted Answer

To entertain readers with an amusing scenario

Answer

To inform readers about dog behavior

Answer

To persuade readers to adopt dogs

Answer

To explain the dangers of leaving pets unsupervised

Question 6

A passage about climate change presents data, expert quotes, and opposing viewpoints without recommending any specific policy. What is the author's purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform readers about the climate change debate

Answer

To persuade readers that climate change is serious

Answer

To entertain with dramatic weather stories

Answer

To argue that scientists disagree about climate change

Question 7

An editorial in a newspaper argues that the city council made a mistake by cutting the public library budget. The author lists consequences and demands reversal of the decision. What is the purpose?

Accepted Answer

To persuade readers and the council to restore library funding

Answer

To inform readers about library services

Answer

To entertain readers with a story about libraries

Answer

To explain how city budgets are created