TOEFL Reading: Rhetorical Purpose Questions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An author describes an early failed experiment before describing a successful one. The failed experiment is mentioned to:
- Provide background and contrast to the later success (Correct answer)
- Discourage further research
- Prove the topic is unimportant
- Define a key term
Correct answer: Provide background and contrast to the later success
The early failure provides contrast and context that highlights the later success.
Question 2: The word 'However' at the start of a sentence usually signals the author's intent to:
- Introduce a contrasting or qualifying idea (Correct answer)
- Continue with more support
- Restate the previous sentence
- Conclude the essay
Correct answer: Introduce a contrasting or qualifying idea
'However' marks a shift or contrast to what was just stated.
Question 3: When an author defines an unfamiliar term in parentheses, the purpose is to:
- Help the reader understand the term (Correct answer)
- Argue against the term
- Add humor
- Cite a source
Correct answer: Help the reader understand the term
Parenthetical definitions clarify meaning so the reader can follow the text.
Question 4: A paragraph that lists causes followed by effects is organized to:
- Explain a cause-and-effect relationship (Correct answer)
- Compare two opposing theories
- Present a timeline of events
- Define a process step by step
Correct answer: Explain a cause-and-effect relationship
Listing causes and their effects shows a cause-and-effect relationship.
Question 5: If the author repeats a key word several times in one paragraph, the likely purpose is to:
- Emphasize its importance to the main idea (Correct answer)
- Fill space
- Confuse the reader
- Avoid using synonyms
Correct answer: Emphasize its importance to the main idea
Repetition of a key word stresses its central role in the discussion.
Question 6: An author begins a paragraph with a historical anecdote in order to:
- Introduce the topic in an engaging way (Correct answer)
- Provide statistical proof
- End the discussion
- Define a scientific law
Correct answer: Introduce the topic in an engaging way
Anecdotes are often used to engage readers and lead into the topic.
Question 7: The transition 'As a result' indicates that what follows is:
- A consequence of the previous statement (Correct answer)
- An example
- A contrast
- A definition
Correct answer: A consequence of the previous statement
'As a result' introduces a consequence or outcome.
TOEFL Reading: Rhetorical Purpose Questions 3
An author describes an early failed experiment before describing a successful one.
The failed experiment is mentioned to: