Reading: Rhetorical Purpose Questions Flashcards

An author describes an early failed experiment before describing a successful one. The failed experiment is mentioned to:

Answer: Provide background and contrast to the later success

The early failure provides contrast and context that highlights the later success.

The word 'However' at the start of a sentence usually signals the author's intent to:

Answer: Introduce a contrasting or qualifying idea

'However' marks a shift or contrast to what was just stated.

When an author defines an unfamiliar term in parentheses, the purpose is to:

Answer: Help the reader understand the term

Parenthetical definitions clarify meaning so the reader can follow the text.

A paragraph that lists causes followed by effects is organized to:

Answer: Explain a cause-and-effect relationship

Listing causes and their effects shows a cause-and-effect relationship.

If the author repeats a key word several times in one paragraph, the likely purpose is to:

Answer: Emphasize its importance to the main idea

Repetition of a key word stresses its central role in the discussion.

An author begins a paragraph with a historical anecdote in order to:

Answer: Introduce the topic in an engaging way

Anecdotes are often used to engage readers and lead into the topic.

The transition 'As a result' indicates that what follows is:

Answer: A consequence of the previous statement

'As a result' introduces a consequence or outcome.