PARCC Author's Purpose 2

Question 1

A travel blog post lists step-by-step directions for hiking a trail safely. What is the author's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform

Answer

Giving clear directions delivers factual guidance, which is informing.

Question 2

An author writes a funny short story about a clumsy cat knocking over plants. What is the purpose?

Accepted Answer

To entertain

Answer

A humorous story is meant to amuse the reader.

Question 3

A letter to the editor urges readers to vote for a new park. What is the author trying to do?

Accepted Answer

To persuade

Answer

Urging readers to take an action is persuasion.

Question 4

Which signal word most strongly suggests an author is trying to persuade?

Accepted Answer

Should

Answer

"Should" pushes the reader toward an opinion or action.

Question 5

A science textbook explains how the water cycle works using labeled diagrams. The purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Inform

Answer

Textbooks with diagrams aim to teach facts.

PARCC Practice Test