ParaPro Author's Purpose and Point of View 3

Question 1

A text begins: 'Volcanoes form when molten rock, called magma, pushes through cracks in the Earth's crust.' What is the author's PRIMARY purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform readers about how volcanoes form

Answer

The text presents factual, explanatory information about a natural process without advocating a position or telling a story, indicating an informational purpose.

Question 2

Which sentence is written from a SECOND-PERSON point of view?

Accepted Answer

You turn left at the oak tree and follow the path downhill.

Answer

Second-person point of view directly addresses the reader using 'you,' as in instructions, directions, or certain narrative styles.

Question 3

A student says an article's purpose is to 'inform' readers about climate change, but the article ends with 'We must act now to save our planet.' What should the paraprofessional explain?

Accepted Answer

The article may have a dual purpose: informing AND persuading, since it ends with a call to action

Answer

A call to action ('We must act now') signals persuasive intent. Many texts blend purposes — this article both informs about climate change and persuades readers to take action.

Question 4

In a story, the narrator says: 'John felt nervous, but Maria didn't know it — she was too focused on her own excitement.' What does this reveal about the narrator's point of view?

Accepted Answer

Third-person omniscient, because the narrator knows both characters' internal states

Answer

The narrator reveals John's nervousness AND Maria's excitement and lack of awareness — accessing two characters' internal states, which is the hallmark of third-person omniscient.

Question 5

A paraprofessional wants to help a student identify the author's purpose in a persuasive letter. Which question is MOST useful?

Accepted Answer

'What is the author trying to convince the reader to believe or do?'

Answer

Asking what the author is trying to convince the reader of directly targets the definition of persuasive purpose — influencing beliefs or actions.

ParaPro Assessment Test Practice Test

ParaPro Assessment Test Practice Test

ParaPro Author's Purpose and Point of View 3