Question

We will continue to squander our talent if our leaders—in politics, science, business, education and the arts—do not reflect our grand variety. I urged the students (and all of us) to ponder the strength of the mountains around us, to rise to the challenges.

What is the author’s purpose in this excerpt?

to warn
to inspire
to inform
to entertain

Answer 1

to inspire

The speaker urges action and reflection—encouraging readers to rise to challenges—rather than simply warning, informing, or entertaining.