SELT - Skills for English Identifying a Writer's Purpose Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following email from a manager to her team: 'Dear Team, Please be advised that the new work-from-home policy will begin on June 1st. All employees are required to read the attached document and complete the confirmation form by May 25th. The document outlines the new procedures for requesting remote work days.' What is the primary purpose of this email?
- To entertain the employees with a story.
- To inform employees about a new policy and required actions. (Correct answer)
- To persuade employees to work more hours from home.
- To express personal feelings about remote work.
Correct answer: To inform employees about a new policy and required actions.
The email's main goal is to provide factual information about a new policy, including key dates and necessary steps for employees to follow. It is not intended to entertain, persuade, or express personal emotion.
Question 2: Which of the following sentences is most likely taken from a text written to persuade?
- The museum opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM.
- The main character felt a growing sense of excitement.
- Photosynthesis is the process used by plants to convert light into energy.
- For a truly unforgettable holiday experience, you must visit the stunning coast of Italy. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: For a truly unforgettable holiday experience, you must visit the stunning coast of Italy.
This sentence uses persuasive and emotive language ('unforgettable', 'must visit', 'stunning') to convince the reader to take an action (visit Italy). The other options inform or describe.
Question 3: A writer's purpose is best described as...
- The reason why the author wrote the text. (Correct answer)
- The main topic or subject of the text.
- The emotional tone the writer uses.
- The specific audience the text is for.
Correct answer: The reason why the author wrote the text.
The writer's purpose is the fundamental reason or motivation for writing the text—what the author aims to achieve with their audience (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain).
Question 4: Read this short passage from a product review website: 'While the camera on the new smartphone is adequate, its battery life is truly exceptional. I was able to use the phone for two full days without needing to recharge. For anyone who travels or is away from power outlets for long periods, this feature alone makes the phone a worthwhile investment.' What is the author's main purpose?
- To provide a technical list of the phone's features.
- To entertain the reader with a story about a long trip.
- To persuade readers that the phone's battery life makes it a good purchase. (Correct answer)
- To describe the physical appearance of the new smartphone.
Correct answer: To persuade readers that the phone's battery life makes it a good purchase.
The author highlights a specific, positive feature (exceptional battery life) and directly recommends the phone to a particular group of people ('For anyone who travels...'), aiming to convince them to buy it.
Question 5: A text written primarily to entertain would most likely include which of the following?
- A set of instructions for assembling furniture.
- An interesting story with developed characters and a plot. (Correct answer)
- A formal report on a company's financial performance.
- A list of historical dates and events.
Correct answer: An interesting story with developed characters and a plot.
The main goal of entertainment is to engage the reader's imagination and emotions, which is best achieved through narrative elements like storytelling, character development, and plot.
Question 6: Read the public notice: 'For the safety of all residents, please ensure your rubbish bins are brought in from the street by 8 PM on collection day. Bins left out overnight can cause an obstruction.' What are the combined purposes of this notice?
- To entertain and to describe.
- To persuade and to tell a story.
- To express an opinion and to complain.
- To inform and to persuade. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To inform and to persuade.
The notice informs residents of a rule (bring bins in by 8 PM). It also persuades them to follow the rule by providing a clear reason related to safety and avoiding obstructions.
