ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ReadingHard
A student is reading an article about the history of antibiotics. The article states: "The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 marked a pivotal moment in medicine, ushering in the 'golden age' of antibiotics. However, widespread and sometimes inappropriate use soon led to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. By the 1960s, the first cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were reported, signaling a growing crisis. Today, antibiotic resistance is a major global health threat, necessitating urgent development of new drugs and responsible prescribing practices." What is the author's primary purpose in writing this paragraph?
- ATo celebrate the historical advancements in antibiotic development.
- BTo explain the biochemical mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
- CTo advocate for increased funding for pharmaceutical research.
- DTo highlight the progression of antibiotic resistance from discovery to current crisis.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To highlight the progression of antibiotic resistance from discovery to current crisis.
The paragraph traces the journey from the 'pivotal moment' of penicillin's discovery to the 'growing crisis' of resistance, emphasizing the evolution and increasing severity of the problem over time.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While it mentions the 'golden age,' the paragraph quickly shifts to the negative consequences, indicating that celebration is not its primary purpose.
- B. The paragraph describes the *emergence* and *impact* of resistance, but it does not delve into the 'biochemical mechanisms' of how resistance works at a molecular level.
- C. The paragraph mentions 'necessitating urgent development of new drugs,' which implies a need for funding, but this is a consequence or a future implication, not the primary historical narrative purpose of the paragraph itself.
Author's Purpose (Informative Text)
The main reason an author writes a particular text or passage, often to inform, explain, persuade, or entertain.
- Look for the overall message or argument.
- Consider what the author wants the reader to understand.
- Distinguish between main purpose and supporting details.
Memory trick: Purpose: Why Did the Author Write This Story?