Use these Author’s Purpose practice questions to review how to identify why a writer created a passage. These questions cover informational, persuasive, descriptive, narrative, humorous, and instructional writing. After answering each question, open the explanation to see how the author’s purpose can be identified from the passage.
Author’s Purpose Topics Covered
- Identifying the main purpose of a passage
- Recognizing informational and explanatory writing
- Recognizing persuasive writing
- Recognizing descriptive writing
- Recognizing narrative and humorous writing
- Distinguishing the main purpose from minor details
- Eliminating answer choices that are too broad, too narrow, or inaccurate
Author’s Purpose Practice Questions
Japan has long had a large population for its land area, especially since the Baby Boom following World War II. This has been especially true in Japan’s cities. Older census estimates placed the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area among the most populous urban centers in the world. Some Japanese cultural traditions have been linked to the crowding found in large urban areas.
For example, Japanese social interactions often include formal behaviors, such as bowing and the use of formal language. One theory is that this formality helps create psychological distance between individuals when physical space is limited. In this view, crowded cities may encourage social customs that create a sense of personal space.
In this passage, the author’s main purpose is to
- give a complete summary of the demographic features of Japan.
- describe a hypothesis of social behavior based on demographics.
- explain why the population of Japan has increased since World War II.
- give a very detailed description of acceptable Japanese manners.
- argue that Japan has the highest population density in the world.
Show Answer
Answer: B. describe a hypothesis of social behavior based on demographics.
The passage uses population and crowding as background information, but its main purpose is to explain a theory about how crowded cities may influence formal social behavior.
The passage is not a complete demographic summary, a detailed manners guide, or an argument that Japan has the world’s highest population density.
Popularly called the Black Death, the bubonic plague spread through parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe during the Middle Ages. This pandemic killed millions of people and caused massive social disruption. It reached its peak in Europe during the 14th century, and it took many communities a long time to recover.
One tragic part of the plague’s history is that human actions made the disease worse. The plague was spread by fleas carried by rats, and rats often traveled on merchant ships. During the Middle Ages, many people associated cats with evil and superstition. Because of this, cats were killed in large numbers.
Cats are natural predators of rats. By killing cats, people unintentionally allowed rat populations to grow, which also allowed more plague-carrying fleas to spread.
What is the main purpose of this passage?
- To compare sanitation practices in the Middle Ages and today
- To explain why the world’s population is smaller than before
- To explain a human action that made an illness even worse
- To give a historical explanation of why cats are unpopular now
- To argue that cats were responsible for the spread of the plague
Show Answer
Answer: C. To explain a human action that made an illness even worse
The passage explains that people killed cats because of superstition, which allowed rat populations to grow. Since rats carried fleas that spread the plague, this human action made the disease worse.
The passage does not compare sanitation practices, explain why cats are unpopular now, or blame cats for the plague.
Hydrangeas are bushes with large, globe-shaped clusters of blooms. They add an elegant appearance to many lawns and gardens. Their name comes from Greek roots related to water and vessels, which makes sense because hydrangeas need plenty of water to grow well.
One of the most interesting facts about hydrangeas is that their flowers can change color depending on the soil. In acidic soil, aluminum compounds dissolve into forms the plant can absorb, often turning the flowers blue. In alkaline soil, aluminum remains bound in forms the plant cannot absorb, so the flowers are often pink. When the soil conditions are mixed, hydrangeas may produce purple, lavender, violet, or partly blue and partly pink flowers.
The main purpose of this passage is to
- explain why hydrangeas are the best flowering bushes to plant.
- identify different types of soil as better or worse for growing hydrangeas.
- define acidic and alkaline soil and explain how they affect all plants.
- identify an interesting fact about hydrangeas and explain the process that causes it.
- warn gardeners that hydrangeas will die if they do not water them enough.
Show Answer
Answer: D. identify an interesting fact about hydrangeas and explain the process that causes it.
The passage focuses on the fact that hydrangea flowers can change color based on soil conditions. It then explains the process that causes the different colors.
The passage mentions beauty and water, but those details support the passage rather than define its main purpose.
At 16, a group of friends went to the Seaside Restaurant for the free appetizers and because a cute boy from class lived nearby. At 26, they chose the Seaside for its cheap beer, lack of a cover charge, good band, and cute guys. At 36, they reunited there because of its great drinks, proximity to the gym, and lack of noisy children if they went late enough.
At 46, they went to the Seaside for its large martinis and attractive waiters. At 56, they chose it for its reasonable prices, nice wine list, lighter fish dishes, and windows that opened. At 66, they liked the Early Bird Special and bright lighting. At 76, they appreciated that the restaurant was wheelchair accessible and the food was not too spicy.
At 86, they decided to meet at the Seaside because they had never eaten there before.
What is the main purpose of this passage?
- It describes many different advantages of the Seaside Restaurant.
- It recounts the history of a friendship among a group of women over time.
- It shows how tastes change with time and why people must go to different places.
- It recounts the adventures of a group of friends attending various restaurants.
- It humorously identifies interests that change with age and provides a punch line.
Show Answer
Answer: E. It humorously identifies interests that change with age and provides a punch line.
The passage is structured as a joke. It shows how the friends’ reasons for choosing the same restaurant change as they age, and the final sentence creates the punch line.
The restaurant details are included to support the humor, not to seriously review the restaurant.
Creativity has always been more difficult to define and assess than intelligence. Because creativity can appear in many different forms, it has been harder to measure with standardized tests. Comparatively few tests of creative ability exist.
Like intelligence, creativity includes several different aspects. One of these is divergent thinking, which is the ability to generate many possible solutions to the same problem. Its opposite is convergent thinking, which uses facts, knowledge, and logic to arrive at one solution.
Two informal tests of divergent thinking are Paper Clip Uses and Brick Uses. In these tests, people list as many different uses for a paper clip or a brick as they can within a set time. Uses from the same general category are not counted as different. For example, using a brick as a projectile and using a brick as a paperweight would count as two different uses.
What is the main purpose of this passage?
- To define divergent thinking as an aspect of creativity and describe related tests
- To argue that creativity cannot be tested because of its infinite variety
- To argue for the need to develop new creativity assessments
- To compare and contrast standardized tests for intelligence and creativity
- To list as many different uses for bricks and paper clips as possible
Show Answer
Answer: A. To define divergent thinking as an aspect of creativity and describe related tests
The passage explains what divergent thinking is and then describes two tests used to measure it.
The passage says creativity is difficult to test, but it does not claim that creativity cannot be tested at all. It also does not focus on intelligence tests or argue for a new testing system.
A rabbi was delivering a sermon that referred to Moses bringing the Ten Commandments down from Mount Sinai. When the rabbi mentioned Moses and Mount Sinai, an elderly man in the congregation shouted, “Oy vey!” The rabbi paused, then continued with the sermon.
Every time the rabbi mentioned Moses coming down Mount Sinai, the same man shouted again. Finally, the rabbi stopped and asked, “Excuse me, sir, but why do you yell every time I speak of Moses and Mount Sinai?”
The man replied, “If only he had turned left instead of right at the bottom, we would have all the oil, and they would have all the sand!”
What is the main purpose of this passage?
- To tell a story revealing the biblical origins of conflict in the Middle East
- To tell a joke based on geography and natural resources in the Middle East
- To describe an incident in which a public speaker managed a heckler
- To show how disruptive it is to yell during a religious service
- To criticize the actions of Moses in the Book of Exodus
Show Answer
Answer: B. To tell a joke based on geography and natural resources in the Middle East
The passage is written as a joke. The repeated interruptions create suspense, and the final response provides the punch line.
The passage is not seriously explaining religious history, political conflict, or public speaking techniques.
Adopting a cat can be a good thing because homeless cats benefit, and people often benefit from their companionship. However, if you have never cared for a cat before, there are several things to consider. If you are away at work all day, you may want to look for two cats that get along well and can keep each other company. A pet should also be compatible with your personality and lifestyle.
Do you want a calm lap cat or an energetic, playful pet? Kittens can be fun, but their high energy levels and changing nutritional needs require more attention. Adult cats may be better for people who want calmer pets that already know basic self-care and social habits.
You must also be prepared for the serious commitment of time, attention, and money involved in caring for a pet for many years.
What is the author’s primary purpose?
- To compare and contrast the behaviors of different cats
- To argue in favor of adopting adult cats instead of kittens
- To give the reader advice to consider before adopting cats
- To argue in favor of adopting kittens instead of adult cats
- To persuade more people that they should adopt pet cats
Show Answer
Answer: C. To give the reader advice to consider before adopting cats
The passage gives practical advice about choosing a cat and understanding the responsibility involved.
It does compare kittens and adult cats, but that comparison supports the larger purpose of advising potential pet owners.
It snowed for hours that night, with large, fluffy flakes swirling down from a sky that looked white even in the dark. The neighborhood was already covered from earlier snowfalls, but the new snow rose into deep, soft piles. After midnight, once the snow finally stopped, we bundled up in coats, hats, gloves, and boots and walked outside.
A deep hush surrounded us. The blanket of snow muffled nearly every sound. When we talked and laughed, our voices rang sharply at first, then seemed to disappear into the snow. Even the sky felt lower, and the whole world seemed smaller, softer, brighter, and warmer inside the thick layer of snow.
What is the author’s main purpose?
- To present an objective discussion of some aspects of snow
- To narrate a story that teaches a lesson or gives insight
- To make a logical argument in favor of walking in the snow
- To create a description of a scene by using sensory details
- To demonstrate the causes and effects of snow
Show Answer
Answer: D. To create a description of a scene by using sensory details
The passage uses sensory details about sight, sound, temperature, and atmosphere to help readers imagine the snowy scene.
It is descriptive rather than argumentative, instructional, or analytical.
First, collect your neti pot, salt, measuring spoon, and warm water. Experiment to find a water temperature that feels comfortable. Add a small amount of salt to the water, and make sure it dissolves completely.
Tilt your head to one side over the sink, insert the pot’s spout into one nostril, and let part of the solution flow out of the other nostril. Then switch sides and repeat the process with the remaining solution. Avoid letting the water flow too quickly, since that can cause dripping afterward.
What is the type and main purpose of this passage?
- It is descriptive, making an experience accessible through sensory images.
- It is narrative, relating a story from which the reader can gain insight.
- It is persuasive, giving reasons and evidence for a position.
- It is analytical, breaking down parts and showing how they work.
- It is expository, giving chronological instructions for following a procedure.
Show Answer
Answer: E. It is expository, giving chronological instructions for following a procedure.
The passage gives step-by-step instructions in time order. That makes it expository and procedural.
It is not trying to persuade, tell a story, or create a vivid sensory description.
Martha and Mary were identical twin sisters in our high school class. They did not dress exactly alike, but they often shared clothes, so it could be hard to tell them apart without observing their behavior. Although they looked very similar, they had different personalities.
Both sisters were soft-spoken, but Martha was more likely to volunteer information in class. She was also more social and outgoing. She enjoyed acting and appeared in several school plays. Mary was more reserved and preferred reading, knitting, and listening to music.
Both sisters were attractive, but they did not date in high school for different reasons. Martha had very high standards and preferred to wait for college. Mary, on the other hand, was too shy to talk to many boys in high school, though college later helped her gain confidence.
What is the primary purpose of this passage?
- To compare and contrast the personalities of twin sisters
- To chronicle the developmental growth of identical twins
- To describe vividly so readers feel they know both sisters
- To support the argument that nature outweighs nurture
- To persuade readers that environment is stronger than heredity
Show Answer
Answer: A. To compare and contrast the personalities of twin sisters
The passage focuses on how Martha and Mary are alike and how they are different. That makes its main purpose comparison and contrast.
The passage is not mainly a chronological life story, a persuasive argument, or a vivid descriptive portrait.
How to Use These Author’s Purpose Practice Questions
Start by asking what the writer is mainly trying to do. Is the passage explaining, persuading, describing, entertaining, comparing, or giving instructions? Then check each answer choice against the whole passage, not just one sentence.
If you miss a question, look for the answer choice that best describes the overall purpose. Wrong choices are often too narrow, too broad, or based on a detail that appears in the passage but is not the author’s main reason for writing.