PARCC Author's Purpose 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An advertisement claims a cereal is "the best way to start your day!" What is the author's purpose?
- To persuade (Correct answer)
- To inform
- To entertain
- To explain
Correct answer: To persuade
Ads use opinion-based claims to convince buyers.
Question 2: A recipe lists ingredients and numbered cooking steps. The primary purpose is to:
- Instruct (Correct answer)
- Entertain
- Persuade
- Express emotion
Correct answer: Instruct
Step-by-step directions instruct the reader how to do something.
Question 3: Which detail best signals that an author's purpose is to entertain?
- A surprising plot twist (Correct answer)
- A bibliography
- A bar graph
- A list of statistics
Correct answer: A surprising plot twist
A plot twist is a storytelling device meant to amuse readers.
Question 4: A news report states only verified facts about a flood without giving opinions. The purpose is to:
- Inform (Correct answer)
- Persuade
- Entertain
- Instruct
Correct answer: Inform
Reporting verified facts neutrally is informing.
Question 5: An author writes an essay arguing that schools should start later. What text feature would best support this purpose?
- Evidence and reasons (Correct answer)
- A cast of characters
- A glossary of slang
- A dialogue scene
Correct answer: Evidence and reasons
Persuasive essays rely on evidence and reasons to convince readers.
Question 6: A poem uses rhythm and figurative language to share the poet's grief. The purpose is to:
- Express feelings (Correct answer)
- Inform
- Instruct
- Sell a product
Correct answer: Express feelings
Poetry about grief expresses the author's emotions.
Question 7: If a passage both teaches facts and tries to change your opinion, the author may have:
- More than one purpose (Correct answer)
- No purpose
- Only an entertaining purpose
- Only an instructing purpose
Correct answer: More than one purpose
Texts can combine purposes, such as informing and persuading.
PARCC Author's Purpose 3
An advertisement claims a cereal is "the best way to start your day!" What is the author's purpose?