GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsReading ComprehensionMedium
A student is reading a scientific article about the effects of climate change on polar bear populations. The article discusses habitat loss due to melting ice, reduced access to food sources, and declining reproductive rates. The author provides numerous statistics, research findings, and quotes from leading climatologists. What is the author's primary purpose in presenting this information?
- ATo inform the reader about the scientific evidence regarding polar bear decline.
- BTo persuade the reader to adopt a specific political stance on climate change.
- CTo advocate for the immediate relocation of all polar bear populations.
- DTo entertain the reader with an engaging story about polar bears.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. To inform the reader about the scientific evidence regarding polar bear decline.
The article's content (habitat loss, food reduction, reproductive rates) and supporting evidence (statistics, research findings, climatologist quotes) are all characteristic of an informative text. The goal is to present scientific facts and data to educate the reader.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While related to climate change, the article focuses on presenting scientific evidence about polar bears, not directly persuading a political stance.
- C. The text describes problems but does not explicitly advocate for a specific solution like relocation.
- D. The focus on statistics and research indicates an informative, not entertaining, purpose.
Author's Purpose: Inform
When an author's primary goal is to provide facts, data, or explanations about a topic to educate the reader.
- Often uses objective language.
- Relies on evidence, statistics, and expert testimony.
- Aims to increase the reader's knowledge or understanding of a subject.
Memory trick: P.I.E. = Persuade, Inform, Entertain