Question

At the edge of the lawn, behind the building, there was a line of underbrush and trees sloping down a hillside. Beyond that, there was a playground next to a day-care center. They could hear shouts of children in the air, and when they looked through the underbrush, they could see bundled-up four-year-olds swinging on swings and racing around a playhouse. The operation would be carried out near children.

–The Hot Zone,
Richard Preston

What is the author’s purpose for including this paragraph? Check all that apply.

to express his thoughts clearly
to inform readers about the location
to persuade readers to become scientists
to entertain readers by showing how dramatic the situation is
to encourage readers to protect children

Answer 1

Selected:
- to inform readers about the location — the paragraph describes the physical setting (underbrush, playground, day‑care) and where the operation will take place.
- to entertain readers by showing how dramatic the situation is — placing a hazardous operation near young children creates tension and drama.

Not selected:
- to express his thoughts clearly — too vague and not the main rhetorical purpose here.
- to persuade readers to become scientists — there's no call to action or recruitment.
- to encourage readers to protect children — it evokes concern but does not explicitly urge readers to take protective action.