TOEFL Reading: Rhetorical Purpose Questions 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Provide background and contrast to the later success

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Introduce a contrasting or qualifying idea

Answer

'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:

Accepted Answer

Help the reader understand the term

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Explain a cause-and-effect relationship

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Emphasize its importance to the main idea

Answer

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

TOEFL Practice Test