GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsReading ComprehensionMedium
A student is analyzing a historical letter from a settler describing their first winter in a new territory. The letter repeatedly emphasizes the 'unrelenting cold' and the 'scarcity of provisions,' and includes detailed accounts of families huddling together for warmth and sharing meager meals. Which of the following best describes the author's primary purpose in writing this letter?
- ATo convey the harsh realities and suffering endured by the settlers.
- BTo persuade others to join the settlement and experience its challenges.
- CTo document the agricultural potential of the new territory.
- DTo provide a chronological record of daily life during the winter months.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. To convey the harsh realities and suffering endured by the settlers.
The letter's repeated emphasis on 'unrelenting cold' and 'scarcity of provisions,' along with detailed accounts of families huddling and sharing meager meals, strongly indicates a purpose of conveying the severe difficulties and suffering faced by the settlers. The language used aims to evoke an emotional understanding of their plight.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The description of suffering would likely deter, not persuade, others to join. (Incorrect)
- C. While the territory is mentioned, the focus is not on its agricultural potential but on the hardship. (Incorrect)
- D. While descriptive, the primary purpose is not just a neutral record but to highlight the severity of the conditions. (Incorrect)
Author's Purpose: Evoke Emotion
When an author uses vivid language, imagery, or personal anecdotes to elicit a specific emotional response in the reader, such as empathy, fear, or anger.
- Uses descriptive words and phrases.
- Often relies on pathos (appeal to emotion).
- Aims to make the reader feel something specific.
Memory trick: Authors write to make us feel, think, or learn.