Question

Read the story summary below, and think about author’s purpose.

One of Heather’s favorite pastimes is to go to the mall with her girlfriends and buy jewelry and
accessories and items to decorate her room. Her mother has told her that she must limit her
trips to the mall, and they have an argument about the new rules. One day Heather’s
grandmother visits and shows her old photos of herself at about Heather’s age, and of her home
when she was a girl. Her grandmother points out some of the items in the pictures, and Heather
finds them charming. The next day, her grandmother takes Heather to a flea market. They have a
pleasant day, and Heather finds a beautiful old canister that will be perfect for holding her
brushes, noting that it is less expensive than similar items she has seen at the mall. After this
special day with her grandmother, Heather decides to start buying most of the things she needs
from flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops.
What is MOST LIKELY the author’s purpose for writing this story?


to state the opinion that flea markets are good places to bond with your grandchildren

to show how the point of view of a flea market vendor differs from that of a customer

to explain that grandparents can help their grandchildren manage their spending

to express the idea that solutions to problems may come from a unexpected places

Answer 1

"to express the idea that solutions to problems may come from a unexpected places"

Explanation: Heather's shopping problem (mall limits) is resolved when her grandmother introduces her to flea markets and thrift stores—an unexpected solution that also offers charm and savings. The other choices are less directly supported by the summary.