ParaPro Author's Purpose and Point of View 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A writer describes the same car accident from two different perspectives: one from the driver who caused it, and one from a bystander. This technique shows how —
- facts change depending on who reports them
- point of view can shape how events are understood (Correct answer)
- accidents are always described inaccurately
- first-person narration is always more reliable
Correct answer: point of view can shape how events are understood
Different perspectives on the same event illustrate how point of view influences interpretation and understanding.
Question 2: An editorial in a newspaper argues that the city should invest more money in public libraries. The author supports this with statistics and expert quotes. This is an example of —
- narrative writing to entertain
- expository writing to explain
- persuasive writing to convince (Correct answer)
- descriptive writing to paint a picture
Correct answer: persuasive writing to convince
Using statistics and expert quotes to argue for a position is a hallmark of persuasive writing.
Question 3: A first-person narrator says, 'I believe the new school policy is unfair because it punishes all students for the actions of a few.' This reveals the narrator's —
- objective reporting of facts
- personal opinion and point of view (Correct answer)
- attempt to entertain the reader
- scientific analysis of school data
Correct answer: personal opinion and point of view
'I believe' signals that the narrator is sharing a personal opinion rather than reporting neutral facts.
Question 4: Which of the following passages has an informative purpose?
- 'You should always recycle — it's the only responsible choice.'
- 'The recycling program was established in 1990 and processes over 500 tons of material annually.' (Correct answer)
- 'Recycling is a wonderful habit that makes me feel proud of my community.'
- 'Imagine a world buried under mountains of trash — that could be our future!'
Correct answer: 'The recycling program was established in 1990 and processes over 500 tons of material annually.'
Stating factual data such as dates and quantities without opinion or emotional language indicates an informative purpose.
Question 5: An author describes a thunderstorm as 'furious' and 'angry,' giving the storm human emotions. This technique suggests the author's purpose is to —
- provide a scientific explanation of thunderstorms
- give factual weather data to readers
- create a vivid, emotional impression for readers (Correct answer)
- persuade readers to prepare for storms
Correct answer: create a vivid, emotional impression for readers
Giving human emotions to non-human things (personification) is a literary technique used to entertain and create emotional impact.
Question 6: A paraeducator is helping a student understand why the author of a passage takes a strong stance against junk food in schools. The BEST question to ask the student is —
- 'What is the main character's name?'
- 'How many calories are in junk food?'
- 'Why does the author feel so strongly about this issue?' (Correct answer)
- 'When was this passage written?'
Correct answer: 'Why does the author feel so strongly about this issue?'
Asking why the author feels strongly helps the student analyze author's purpose and point of view.
Question 7: A text begins: 'Have you ever wondered why some students struggle to read? Research shows that early intervention can make a significant difference.' The author's primary purpose is most likely to —
- entertain readers with stories about struggling students
- inform and persuade readers about the value of early reading support (Correct answer)
- instruct teachers on specific reading techniques
- describe the history of reading education in America
Correct answer: inform and persuade readers about the value of early reading support
Combining a question to engage readers with research-based support signals both informing and persuading as the author's purpose.
ParaPro Author's Purpose and Point of View 5
A writer describes the same car accident from two different perspectives: one from the driver who caused it, and one from a bystander.
This technique shows how —