PARCC - Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers Author's Purpose 7

Question 1

A magazine publishes an article listing the top ten vacation destinations in Europe, with tips on best times to visit and local cuisine to try. What is the author's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform readers about popular travel destinations and practical travel tips

Answer

The article provides factual information about destinations and practical tips, which is the hallmark of writing meant to inform rather than persuade, entertain, or warn.

Question 2

A poet writes a humorous rhyming poem about a dog who is terrified of the vacuum cleaner, including silly sound effects and made-up words. What is the author's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To entertain readers with humor and playful language

Answer

The use of humor, rhyme, silly sound effects, and made-up words signals that the author's goal is to entertain the reader rather than inform or persuade.

Question 3

A pamphlet distributed at a city council meeting urges residents to vote against a new highway that would cut through a neighborhood park, citing noise pollution and loss of green space. What is the author's purpose?

Accepted Answer

To persuade residents to oppose the highway project

Answer

The pamphlet presents arguments and calls residents to take a specific action — voting against the highway — which is the defining characteristic of persuasive writing.

Question 4

A nature documentary script describes the daily habits of emperor penguins in Antarctica, including how they huddle together for warmth and take turns caring for eggs. What is the author's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform viewers about the behavior and survival strategies of emperor penguins

Answer

The script presents factual details about penguin behavior and survival, making its primary purpose to inform viewers rather than entertain or persuade them.

Question 5

An author writes a short story about two siblings who argue over a TV remote but ultimately learn to compromise and enjoy the same show together. What is the author's most likely purpose?

Accepted Answer

To entertain readers while teaching a lesson about compromise

Answer

The story uses fictional characters and a relatable conflict to entertain readers while also conveying a moral lesson about compromise, which is a common purpose in narrative fiction.

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC - Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers Author's Purpose 7