PARCC - Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers Author's Purpose 1

Question 1

A science textbook explains how volcanoes form and describes the layers of Earth. What is the author's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform readers about how volcanoes are created

Answer

To entertain readers with exciting volcano stories

Answer

To persuade readers to study geology in college

Answer

To express the author's personal fear of volcanoes

Question 2

A newspaper article describes a devastating flood that destroyed a town and includes interviews with survivors. What is the author's most likely purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform readers about a real event that occurred

Answer

To entertain readers with an adventure story

Answer

To persuade readers to donate money

Answer

To express sadness about natural disasters

Question 3

A student writes an essay arguing that the school lunch period should be extended to 45 minutes, listing health and learning benefits. What is the author's purpose?

Accepted Answer

To persuade readers that lunch periods should be longer

Answer

To entertain classmates with a funny story about lunch

Answer

To inform readers about how lunch is prepared

Answer

To describe what foods students prefer

Question 4

A children's book follows a talking rabbit who goes on a silly adventure to find his missing carrot. What is the author's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To entertain young readers with a fun story

Answer

To inform children about rabbit diets

Answer

To persuade children to eat more vegetables

Answer

To explain where carrots come from

Question 5

Which of the following passages would MOST LIKELY have the purpose of persuading the reader?

Accepted Answer

A flyer urging students to join the environmental club to save the planet

Answer

A recipe that lists ingredients and cooking steps in order

Answer

A biography that describes events in a famous artist's life

Answer

A dictionary entry defining the word 'ecosystem'

Question 6

An author writes a poem about the joy of watching a sunset, using vivid language and personal feelings. What is the author's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To express personal feelings and create an emotional experience for the reader

Answer

To inform readers about why the sky changes colors at sunset

Answer

To persuade readers to spend more time outdoors

Answer

To explain the science of how sunsets occur