Free ParaPro Author's Purpose and Point of View Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A health pamphlet reads: 'Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds removes 99% of harmful bacteria. The CDC recommends handwashing before meals and after using the restroom.' The author's purpose is primarily to:
- Entertain readers with surprising hygiene facts
- Persuade readers to purchase antibacterial soap
- Inform readers about effective handwashing practices (Correct answer)
- Warn readers about a current disease outbreak
Correct answer: Inform readers about effective handwashing practices
The passage provides factual guidance backed by a credible source (CDC) without trying to sell a product or provoke emotional fear. The straightforward delivery of health facts for practical use is the hallmark of an informational purpose.
Question 2: An op-ed column opens with: 'The school board's decision to cut arts funding is short-sighted and will harm our children's futures.' This statement reflects the author's:
- Neutral reporting of the school board's vote
- Personal opinion and critical point of view on the decision (Correct answer)
- Objective analysis of arts education budgets
- Entertainment-based commentary on local politics
Correct answer: Personal opinion and critical point of view on the decision
The word 'short-sighted' is a value judgment, and 'will harm our children' is a predicted negative consequence framed as fact. These elements reveal a subjective, critical point of view — the author is expressing a personal stance against the board's decision.
Question 3: Which of the following best identifies the author's purpose in a fairy tale that ends with a moral lesson?
- To persuade readers to change a political system
- To inform readers about historical customs and traditions
- To entertain readers while conveying a value or lesson (Correct answer)
- To report events objectively from multiple viewpoints
Correct answer: To entertain readers while conveying a value or lesson
Fairy tales use imaginative storytelling to engage readers (entertain) and traditionally conclude with a moral to guide behavior or values (convey a lesson). The dual purpose — enjoyment plus a takeaway message — is characteristic of the fairy tale genre.
Question 4: A passage includes phrases like 'experts agree,' 'studies confirm,' and 'according to data.' These phrases suggest the author wants to appear:
- Emotional and relatable to the audience
- Credible and authoritative by citing evidence (Correct answer)
- Humorous and entertaining to keep readers engaged
- Uncertain and open-minded about the topic
Correct answer: Credible and authoritative by citing evidence
Citing experts, studies, and data are strategies authors use to build credibility and authority. Readers are more likely to trust a claim supported by evidence. This technique is common in both informational and persuasive writing when the author wants to appear well-supported.
Question 5: A student reads a product review that says, 'This blender is the best on the market — I use it every morning!' What type of point of view does the reviewer express?
- Third-person objective — reporting observable facts only
- First-person subjective — sharing personal experience and opinion (Correct answer)
- Second-person — giving directions to the reader
- Omniscient — knowing all facts about the product
Correct answer: First-person subjective — sharing personal experience and opinion
The reviewer uses 'I' to share personal experience ('I use it every morning') and states an opinion ('best on the market'). This is a first-person, subjective point of view — grounded in personal use rather than objective testing or universally verified facts.
Question 6: An author repeatedly uses the word 'merely' when describing an opponent's arguments. What does this word choice reveal about the author's point of view?
- The author finds the opponent's arguments compelling and important
- The author is presenting both sides of the issue fairly
- The author considers the opponent's arguments minor or insignificant (Correct answer)
- The author is uncertain about their own position
Correct answer: The author considers the opponent's arguments minor or insignificant
'Merely' is a minimizing word that diminishes the importance of whatever it describes. When an author uses it to characterize an opponent's arguments, it signals that the author views those arguments as weak or unimportant — revealing a dismissive point of view toward the opposing side.
Free ParaPro Author's Purpose and Point of View Questions and Answers 3
A health pamphlet reads: 'Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds removes 99% of harmful bacteria.
The CDC recommends handwashing before meals and after using the restroom.' The author's purpose is primarily to: